I really enjoyed doing the daily posting last month, so I've been trying to decide how I might continue that into December. As we are celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I thought it might be fun to look for the good around me, whether it be small acts of service or specific Christlike qualities. I won't mention names. I just want to be more observant and notice the good in other people. :) I wanted it to be a little different from the gratitude posts, though.
1 December 2012. This was rather a big one, actually. I saw the generosity of many people who had donated trees, and many others who had purchased the trees at the Festival of Trees.
2 December 2012. I noticed today how there were many people eager to bear pure, sweet, simple testimony of Jesus Christ and of His gospel. Because they did, the Spirit was able to speak to the hearts of all who were listening.
3 December 2012. I saw eager giving of goods and services to auction and even more eager giving of money in an auction to help provide Christmas for families in need. It is good not just to see people giving at Christmas time, but to see them so excited about it.
4 December 2012. I saw sweet humility in a request for forgiveness. It was unexpected and unnecessary (I saw/took no offense), but still welcome. It makes me want to be better, too.
5 December 2012. I saw people who prepared and then willingly shared their talents. More importantly, I saw people who were quick to extend the hand of friendship to others.
6 December 2012. I saw excitement in learning and specifically in making connections and beginning to put things in context in relation to each other. The glory of God is intelligence. :)
7 December 2012. I saw patience demonstrated even in little, seemingly insignificant questions and problems that continue to arise.
8 December 2012. I saw the sweet innocence of childhood in a tiny helpless baby and in a toddler who loves his baby sister and is eager to share with her and with others.
9 December 2012. I saw people willing to give of their time and energies to fulfill callings and to support each other, even when their time is very limited.
10 December 2012. I saw many people eager to give of their time and energy to serve at the Food Bank, organizing food items that will eventually go to those in need, while building and strengthening friendships.
11 December 2012. I saw friendly smiles and well-wishes exchanged between complete strangers. (This is one of the best things about the Christmas season!) I also saw two men prepared to give a priesthood blessing at a moment's notice (not sure to whom, but it doesn't matter). It made me think how wonderful it is to work in an environment where a person need not hesitate to ask!
12 December 2012. I saw many people uniting in agreement that the most important part of church is not making a stand but worshiping God.
13 December 2012. I saw the benefits of working together to solve a problem and come to a realistic solution.
14 December 2012. I saw many people with broken hearts, joining in faith and prayer on behalf of those--strangers--who are suffering following today's tragic elementary school shooting. It brings the spirit of Christmas and the importance of family closer to home.
15 December 2012. I was reminded of the importance of finding unity instead of division, focusing on similarities instead of differences, and loving and praying for all of God's children.
16 December 2012. I heard the story of the candy bomber, who brought joy to children of West Berlin, and saw the overwhelming response (a standing ovation) for a man who has spent his life serving God and country--and the people of the world.
17 December 2012. I saw a lot of good discussion and collaboration among coworkers. I also saw more giving in the form of carolers with goodies.
18 December 2012. I saw community (some Catholic, some Mormon, probably some Protestant) come together to join in celebrating the birth of the Savior through Christmas carols. This included the preparation of the children who sang and the beauty and love they shared with everyone there.
19 December 2012. I saw beautiful, sweet gratitude expressed. I also saw the joy that comes from joining together in singing Christmas hymns with those with whom we work. (Christmas music is always joyful, isn't it?)
20 December 2012. I saw people willing to give of precious time to serve in the temple. What a beautiful Christmas gift. :)
21 December 2012. I was offered a ride over taking public transportation. (I'm excited to try Frontrunner still, but it can wait. I'll take the ride and the company!)
22 December 2012. I saw a few drivers who were aware of and courteous to others on the road in the midst of crazy, last-minute-holiday-shopping traffic. (In Provo/Orem, even Saturday qualified as last-minute, since Sunday is out for most of Utah valley.)
23 December 2012. I saw a sweet boy ready to share his favorite toys with his baby sister when she was crying. In a couple more months, she might actually be able to take some of them. :)
24 December 2012. I saw the excitement of preparing Christmas for a small child, including watching a brief nativity movie, then Muppet Christmas carol, then fixing up a stocking and making the Christmas tree more accessible.
25 December 2012. I saw the excitement of childhood over Christmas day, and family togetherness (even if we were all exhausted). It makes me more excited to have everyone together for a bit.
26 December 2012. I was offered a ride to work instead of getting up super early to take Frontrunner from Orem. Awesome!
27 December 2012. I woke up this morning to already-shoveled steps out of my building. I was offered a ride home from the grocery store. (There seem to be a lot of rides!) Also, I saw people quick to help a fellow passenger on the bus know where she needed to get off to get where she was going.
28 December 2012. I saw how hard work paid off in creating fun lights at the zoo, and I saw friends happy to share their evening out.
29 December 2012. The best I can come up with today is "seeing" (through pictures) the excitement of my parents meeting their granddaughter. I was lazy and didn't go anywhere at all...
30 December 2012. I saw priesthood power exercised not only in conducting meetings but in sustaining and setting me apart to a new calling.
31 December 2012. Mostly I saw family togetherness. It was fun to have almost all of us (my brother-in-law, Alex, excepted) together.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
The Book of Mormon--nearing the end of another year
I began this year with a blog post about what the Book of Mormon means to me, mentioning that there might be more posts to follow. Up to this point, there haven't been (sorry!), but after today's Sunday School lesson, I wanted to share some thoughts again.
The lesson was on Mormon 7-9, Mormon's farewell and Moroni's first farewell. Mormon's farewell in chapter 7 is only 10 verses long, but it is beautiful. He bears his testimony of Jesus Christ and of the atonement and outlines the first principles and ordinances of the gospel: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. So simple, yet so profound. He mentions the resurrection and the beautiful promises made to those who have repented and embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ.
One verse that really stood out to me is in Mormon 8:35: "Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing." I take this to mean that he did not just see our day, but that he saw me specifically and knew my doing. This could be a frightening thing, but it doesn't have to be.
Even as Moroni continues to describe the pride and hypocrisy and secret abominations of the latter-days, he does mention that there are a few who do not fall into this category. He saw the bad, but he also saw the good. What does that mean for us?
I can't help thinking that even as my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want me to return home to them, and as Jesus Christ has prepared the way through His atonement, crucifixion, and resurrection, that there are many others who are also eager for me to prove myself and to return home to my Heavenly Father. It's encouraging to think that a great prophet like Moroni is among them. Going back to Mormon's words in chapter 7 adds further encouragement. Mormon wrote that he wanted the people to "know of the things of their fathers" (Mormon 7:1, repeated in verses 5 and 9). While this is literally directed to the descendants of the people he had just seen destroyed and of the people he saw continuing to battle each other, I believe it is also directed to us--to me. As I learn of my ancestors and others who have gone before, particularly as I learn of their love for the gospel and for the Savior Jesus Christ, I also come to know that there are many people who have already passed on who want to see me succeed, who want to see me return to my Heavenly Father. I am not alone! Between the friends and family I have, on earth and in heaven, and as I rely on the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can reach my eternal potential. I have an amazing support system, even if I cannot see all of them! Someday I hope to be able to meet them. :)
In Moroni's farewell in chapter 9, he speaks of the works of God and reminds us that God is a God of miracles. How can we not believe, when we see His wondrous works each day? "For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?" (Mormon 9:9) And he continues, "Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?" (Mormon 9:16) I only need to look around me, or to turn to the Book of Mormon or other scriptures, to feel the power of God's love and to know that He is a God of miracles, that His hand is over all the earth, that He has a plan for me and for each of His children, that He loves us all!
As Moroni tells us, "For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled." (Moroni 8:22) The Lord has made such wonderful promises to those who will obey Him! He will fulfill those promises.
As I sat in Sunday School today, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon was reconfirmed to me through the Holy Ghost. There are so many who have sacrificed, both then and now, so that I can have the word of God today. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that it was written for our day. This becomes more clear as the turmoil in the world increases. I know that the Book of Mormon teaches us the plan of salvation and is a means to come nearer to Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and that He is my Savior. I know that God is still a God of miracles. I find peace and joy in this knowledge. I bear this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The lesson was on Mormon 7-9, Mormon's farewell and Moroni's first farewell. Mormon's farewell in chapter 7 is only 10 verses long, but it is beautiful. He bears his testimony of Jesus Christ and of the atonement and outlines the first principles and ordinances of the gospel: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. So simple, yet so profound. He mentions the resurrection and the beautiful promises made to those who have repented and embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ.
One verse that really stood out to me is in Mormon 8:35: "Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing." I take this to mean that he did not just see our day, but that he saw me specifically and knew my doing. This could be a frightening thing, but it doesn't have to be.
Even as Moroni continues to describe the pride and hypocrisy and secret abominations of the latter-days, he does mention that there are a few who do not fall into this category. He saw the bad, but he also saw the good. What does that mean for us?
I can't help thinking that even as my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want me to return home to them, and as Jesus Christ has prepared the way through His atonement, crucifixion, and resurrection, that there are many others who are also eager for me to prove myself and to return home to my Heavenly Father. It's encouraging to think that a great prophet like Moroni is among them. Going back to Mormon's words in chapter 7 adds further encouragement. Mormon wrote that he wanted the people to "know of the things of their fathers" (Mormon 7:1, repeated in verses 5 and 9). While this is literally directed to the descendants of the people he had just seen destroyed and of the people he saw continuing to battle each other, I believe it is also directed to us--to me. As I learn of my ancestors and others who have gone before, particularly as I learn of their love for the gospel and for the Savior Jesus Christ, I also come to know that there are many people who have already passed on who want to see me succeed, who want to see me return to my Heavenly Father. I am not alone! Between the friends and family I have, on earth and in heaven, and as I rely on the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can reach my eternal potential. I have an amazing support system, even if I cannot see all of them! Someday I hope to be able to meet them. :)
In Moroni's farewell in chapter 9, he speaks of the works of God and reminds us that God is a God of miracles. How can we not believe, when we see His wondrous works each day? "For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?" (Mormon 9:9) And he continues, "Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?" (Mormon 9:16) I only need to look around me, or to turn to the Book of Mormon or other scriptures, to feel the power of God's love and to know that He is a God of miracles, that His hand is over all the earth, that He has a plan for me and for each of His children, that He loves us all!
As Moroni tells us, "For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled." (Moroni 8:22) The Lord has made such wonderful promises to those who will obey Him! He will fulfill those promises.
As I sat in Sunday School today, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon was reconfirmed to me through the Holy Ghost. There are so many who have sacrificed, both then and now, so that I can have the word of God today. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that it was written for our day. This becomes more clear as the turmoil in the world increases. I know that the Book of Mormon teaches us the plan of salvation and is a means to come nearer to Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and that He is my Savior. I know that God is still a God of miracles. I find peace and joy in this knowledge. I bear this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Title of Liberty--small and simple things
"And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it--In 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. And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed 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 Christians remain to possess the land." Book of Mormon, Alma 46:12-13.
I've been thinking about this and how important it is for us to protect the same things: our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives [families], and our children. The more I think about it, the more I also think it's very significant that Moroni wrote the title of liberty on his rent (torn) coat. How so?
Well, I think that it is a reminder of how simple it can be for us to defend out rights and our liberty and those things that are most precious to us. Moroni used what he had on hand. It happened to be his coat. What do we have on hand? Well, for starters, we have social media. I don't need to tear a coat and wave it on a pole. I can share a message much more quickly, with far more people, by blogging and/or posting to Facebook. These things are readily available. I don't have to look far.
Even reading about Moroni putting on his armor takes on great significance for us. We may not be called to fight in a physical war. But just as Moroni had his armor and prepared himself for battle, we can be constantly preparing ourselves. "He bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God..." Isn't that even more powerful than the physical armor he wore? Our preparation should be the same. We, too, need to pray mightily. We need to study the word of God, both in the scriptures and in the words of the living prophets. We need to be prepared to speak up and defend the things that are most important to us, and we can best prepare by studying and inviting the Spirit into our lives. In this way, our "armor" will always be with us.
I may not carry a literal title of liberty--not a torn coat, not a flag with writing on it. But I hope that the way I live will represent my love for and my desire to defend those Moroni mentions: God, religion, freedom, peace, family. I might add my country to the list; the stars and stripes still represent all of these things to me. I may never be directly involved in a physical war. I hope I will not. But I also hope that the way I live will demonstrate that I am on the Lord's side, and that I will defend truth and liberty. I don't know what may be asked of me. But I know, especially as I continue to consider these verses, that I can do what is necessary now, as simple as it may seem, to be prepared for whatever God may require of me.
I've been thinking about this and how important it is for us to protect the same things: our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives [families], and our children. The more I think about it, the more I also think it's very significant that Moroni wrote the title of liberty on his rent (torn) coat. How so?
Well, I think that it is a reminder of how simple it can be for us to defend out rights and our liberty and those things that are most precious to us. Moroni used what he had on hand. It happened to be his coat. What do we have on hand? Well, for starters, we have social media. I don't need to tear a coat and wave it on a pole. I can share a message much more quickly, with far more people, by blogging and/or posting to Facebook. These things are readily available. I don't have to look far.
Even reading about Moroni putting on his armor takes on great significance for us. We may not be called to fight in a physical war. But just as Moroni had his armor and prepared himself for battle, we can be constantly preparing ourselves. "He bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God..." Isn't that even more powerful than the physical armor he wore? Our preparation should be the same. We, too, need to pray mightily. We need to study the word of God, both in the scriptures and in the words of the living prophets. We need to be prepared to speak up and defend the things that are most important to us, and we can best prepare by studying and inviting the Spirit into our lives. In this way, our "armor" will always be with us.
I may not carry a literal title of liberty--not a torn coat, not a flag with writing on it. But I hope that the way I live will represent my love for and my desire to defend those Moroni mentions: God, religion, freedom, peace, family. I might add my country to the list; the stars and stripes still represent all of these things to me. I may never be directly involved in a physical war. I hope I will not. But I also hope that the way I live will demonstrate that I am on the Lord's side, and that I will defend truth and liberty. I don't know what may be asked of me. But I know, especially as I continue to consider these verses, that I can do what is necessary now, as simple as it may seem, to be prepared for whatever God may require of me.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
America, constitutional freedoms, and agency
Brief preface to this post: First, although the documentaries I watched have brought a multitude of thoughts to my mind, they were both more about presentation of things I could already see for myself. Second, though I may quote scriptures within this post, these are my own thoughts and impressions and not representative of or endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nevertheless, I hope they are doctrinally sound.
I have watched two documentaries this weekend. The first was Obama's America: 2016, the second was AGENDA: Grinding America Down. As already stated, these films confirmed things I have already seen and interpreted for myself.
Obama's America: 2016 is not an apocalyptic film. There is not really a strong prediction of what America will be like in 2016. However, it does focus on what is known of Obama's background and specifically of his mentors and other influences. It is shown that he was influenced by his Kenyan father as well as by a number of socialists and communists. Those who still have strong influence in his life and his ideas also fall into this category.
The approach to the film was interesting. It seemed unlikely that the communist agenda itself, or the lack of information about Obama, would be enough to promote the ideas of the film. However, by presenting it instead as an anti-colonialism agenda, the points were strengthened. In either case, the predicted end result is similar: the weakening of America.
AGENDA: Grinding America Down took a different approach. It did not focus strongly on Obama (though he was mentioned), but it did focus on how socialistic and even communistic values have been gradually creeping into our society for at least two decades. The creator of the documentary specifically focused on how the communists have pushed their agenda by attacking Judeo-Christian values, especially the family. Their focus has been on mitigating the influence of parents by allowing public schools (i.e., government) to take over as early as possible. The real idea of communism, as presented by the documentary, is big government.
Also figuring into the communist agenda are both environmentalism and the feminist movement. Why? Because each of these can be presented in such a way as to sound exciting to the people. But what are they really doing? Environmentalism has forced us to become dependent on the government for energy resources. And the feminist movement contributes directly to the breakdown of the family, forcing children to be raised by the government without regard to the moral ideology of the parents.
It's absolutely frightening to think of what forcing communist ideals would mean. The film made the point that communism is a killing machine, stating that it was responsible for more deaths in the 20th century than were all of the wars throughout history, combined. Yikes! And the truly frightening thing? We have historical evidence of socialist/communist leaders rising to power through the voice of the people. Hitler did not come in at random and take control of Germany. The German people elected him, and he proceeded to enact "emergency legislation" (overriding the laws then in place) that gave him absolute power. While I know some would disagree, I would venture to say that Obama has already bent and twisted American law, even our Constitution, to suit his own needs and agenda.
You might argue that we would never see communism become a killing machine in the United States. I would disagree. Obamacare is actually a prime example. My cousin's son was born with a rare heart disease. They are already experiencing the effects of Obamacare on their ability to care for their son. The limit on the amount of money that can be put into a flexible spending account has decreased. (I read over a year ago that Obama's plan was for this to increase tax revenue and thus redistribute money more evenly.) This means that not only will they be taxed on that money, but they cannot spread the cost evenly over the year as a flexible spending account normally allows. Unfortunately, they are also unable to qualify for government aid for their son's medical care. That is, not only has the provision that allowed them to pay their medical bills been removed, but there is no provision to make up for it. My interpretation? The government is already placing value on lives and determining who should and should not receive the necessary care to survive. I know some will not agree with me, but these over-restrictive policies sound like a step toward euthanasia. We already know the left does not place value on unborn life; why should we expect them to value our lives? What right does man have to rank the value of others' lives?
Another comment I found interesting was the communist idea that eliminating God elevates man. What?!?! I suppose it temporarily elevates one man or a small group of men who maintain control of mankind. But eliminating God--well, it eliminates everything. Even if we could exist without a higher Being, without a Supreme Creator, what would be the purpose? Judeo-Christian values would suggest that the existence of God is what elevates man: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Old Testament, Genesis 1:27). What could possibly be more elevating to man (and woman) than to know that we are created in the image of God, that we are His children? And because we are His children, every life, male or female, born or unborn, is of infinite worth.
I did feel a surge of gratitude as I listened to the presentation of the idea that this leftist agenda is especially being pushed in education. I agree with what they say. However, I was blessed to have some amazing teachers, Mr. Smith in particular, who strongly encouraged us to think for ourselves and to question everything we read or hear. It was exciting as a teenager to sit through a history class each day where I knew the teacher would allow me to challenge him. But I am ever so much more grateful for that, now--especially from a history teacher! The last two months leave us all wondering: who writes history, and what do they share or not share? America has yet to receive answers about Benghazi. Who will put it in the history books? What will they say? Will we ever know the truth?
In regard to education, my desire to home school (if the day comes when I do marry and have a family) was strongly reinforced. I will not allow the government to raise my child. I am capable of teaching not only moral values but secular learning. Even for me, where I was not home schooled, my love of learning came not from school (though I liked going to school), but from the values taught at home. This was not just religion. This was our shelves full of books, the music that was regularly a part of life, the family field trips to zoos and museums and other places. My children will be educated, not indoctrinated.
I was particularly struck by the comments relating directly to agency (even though the word "agency" was never used). The suggestion was made that the acceptance of the communist agenda by the left wing was born either of ignorance or of evil, and that evidence shows that for many ignorance is not an option. That leaves evil. Later it is also said that the farther communism progresses, the more difficult it is to recognize evil. Yikes! Think of Isaiah: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Old Testament, Isaiah 5:20). And yet there are people who would do all in their power to blur those lines. Darkness cannot be mistaken for light, not bitter for sweet--not unless we have lost or given up our ability to see or to taste. The same is true between good and evil. One cannot be mistaken for the other unless we give up our ability to judge and to choose.
Which brings us to the heart of the problem with communism. What I drew from the documentary was that the greatest problem with communism (which is the direction our country appears to be headed) is the removal of our agency. I fought for agency before I came to this earth! You did, too, or you would not be here. One man, Saul Alinsky, who promotes the communist agenda and has strongly influenced Obama actually dedicated a book: "Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgement to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history... the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom--Lucifer." My jaw dropped when I heard that. Evil, evil, evil! No God-fearing Christian could deny that this is evil! And this man has an influence on our president?
We, as humans, are set apart from the rest of God's creations by our agency: the ability to distinguish and to choose between good and evil. Satan's (Lucifer's) plan was to have a "perfect" world in which our agency would be removed and we would all be forced back to heaven. In exchange, he wanted the glory. Sound a little like the communist agenda? I would say so.
I chose God's plan. This I know, because I am here on earth. I chose to gain a physical body, to come to earth with agency: the freedom to choose. I knew I would make mistakes. But I also knew that God's plan included a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would make it possible for me to repent, to continue to choose right, and eventually return to God. I chose this. I even knew there would be suffering. But I also understood that the suffering was necessary in order to experience joy. Without opposition, we do not learn or progress. The communist agenda would remove all opposition and with it our ability to choose.
Nearly 50 years ago, then Elder Benson (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) warned against the evils of socialism as seen in this link. I love his comment: "Stand up for freedom, no matter what the cost. It can help to save your soul, and maybe your country." Several thoughts come to my mind as I consider this. First, my grandpa grew up in Hitler's Germany. I have rarely heard him speak of it; it is not something he likes to remember. Knowing this, knowing that he left his homeland to establish a home and later a family in a land of freedom, knowing the great love he has for the United States, how could I possibly support anything that resembles Hitler's Germany? Second, as I have already said, I know I fought for agency--for the freedom to choose--before I came to this life. Because of this, the final thought is that I will continue to fight. This is about the triumph of good over evil. God's plan will prevail--we know which team will win. The question is, whose team will we be on? I want to be found on God's team. I will continue to fight for freedom--freedom to choose, freedom to worship my God. Elder Benson said, "Stand up for freedom, no matter what the cost." To my dying breath, I will stand up for freedom, against socialism and communism. No matter what the cost. If the day comes that I must give my dying breath in this fight, so be it. I would rather give my life knowing that I am on the Lord's team, and receive my reward from Him, than merely exist on a team that will ultimately be defeated.
I have watched two documentaries this weekend. The first was Obama's America: 2016, the second was AGENDA: Grinding America Down. As already stated, these films confirmed things I have already seen and interpreted for myself.
Obama's America: 2016 is not an apocalyptic film. There is not really a strong prediction of what America will be like in 2016. However, it does focus on what is known of Obama's background and specifically of his mentors and other influences. It is shown that he was influenced by his Kenyan father as well as by a number of socialists and communists. Those who still have strong influence in his life and his ideas also fall into this category.
The approach to the film was interesting. It seemed unlikely that the communist agenda itself, or the lack of information about Obama, would be enough to promote the ideas of the film. However, by presenting it instead as an anti-colonialism agenda, the points were strengthened. In either case, the predicted end result is similar: the weakening of America.
AGENDA: Grinding America Down took a different approach. It did not focus strongly on Obama (though he was mentioned), but it did focus on how socialistic and even communistic values have been gradually creeping into our society for at least two decades. The creator of the documentary specifically focused on how the communists have pushed their agenda by attacking Judeo-Christian values, especially the family. Their focus has been on mitigating the influence of parents by allowing public schools (i.e., government) to take over as early as possible. The real idea of communism, as presented by the documentary, is big government.
Also figuring into the communist agenda are both environmentalism and the feminist movement. Why? Because each of these can be presented in such a way as to sound exciting to the people. But what are they really doing? Environmentalism has forced us to become dependent on the government for energy resources. And the feminist movement contributes directly to the breakdown of the family, forcing children to be raised by the government without regard to the moral ideology of the parents.
It's absolutely frightening to think of what forcing communist ideals would mean. The film made the point that communism is a killing machine, stating that it was responsible for more deaths in the 20th century than were all of the wars throughout history, combined. Yikes! And the truly frightening thing? We have historical evidence of socialist/communist leaders rising to power through the voice of the people. Hitler did not come in at random and take control of Germany. The German people elected him, and he proceeded to enact "emergency legislation" (overriding the laws then in place) that gave him absolute power. While I know some would disagree, I would venture to say that Obama has already bent and twisted American law, even our Constitution, to suit his own needs and agenda.
You might argue that we would never see communism become a killing machine in the United States. I would disagree. Obamacare is actually a prime example. My cousin's son was born with a rare heart disease. They are already experiencing the effects of Obamacare on their ability to care for their son. The limit on the amount of money that can be put into a flexible spending account has decreased. (I read over a year ago that Obama's plan was for this to increase tax revenue and thus redistribute money more evenly.) This means that not only will they be taxed on that money, but they cannot spread the cost evenly over the year as a flexible spending account normally allows. Unfortunately, they are also unable to qualify for government aid for their son's medical care. That is, not only has the provision that allowed them to pay their medical bills been removed, but there is no provision to make up for it. My interpretation? The government is already placing value on lives and determining who should and should not receive the necessary care to survive. I know some will not agree with me, but these over-restrictive policies sound like a step toward euthanasia. We already know the left does not place value on unborn life; why should we expect them to value our lives? What right does man have to rank the value of others' lives?
Another comment I found interesting was the communist idea that eliminating God elevates man. What?!?! I suppose it temporarily elevates one man or a small group of men who maintain control of mankind. But eliminating God--well, it eliminates everything. Even if we could exist without a higher Being, without a Supreme Creator, what would be the purpose? Judeo-Christian values would suggest that the existence of God is what elevates man: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Old Testament, Genesis 1:27). What could possibly be more elevating to man (and woman) than to know that we are created in the image of God, that we are His children? And because we are His children, every life, male or female, born or unborn, is of infinite worth.
I did feel a surge of gratitude as I listened to the presentation of the idea that this leftist agenda is especially being pushed in education. I agree with what they say. However, I was blessed to have some amazing teachers, Mr. Smith in particular, who strongly encouraged us to think for ourselves and to question everything we read or hear. It was exciting as a teenager to sit through a history class each day where I knew the teacher would allow me to challenge him. But I am ever so much more grateful for that, now--especially from a history teacher! The last two months leave us all wondering: who writes history, and what do they share or not share? America has yet to receive answers about Benghazi. Who will put it in the history books? What will they say? Will we ever know the truth?
In regard to education, my desire to home school (if the day comes when I do marry and have a family) was strongly reinforced. I will not allow the government to raise my child. I am capable of teaching not only moral values but secular learning. Even for me, where I was not home schooled, my love of learning came not from school (though I liked going to school), but from the values taught at home. This was not just religion. This was our shelves full of books, the music that was regularly a part of life, the family field trips to zoos and museums and other places. My children will be educated, not indoctrinated.
I was particularly struck by the comments relating directly to agency (even though the word "agency" was never used). The suggestion was made that the acceptance of the communist agenda by the left wing was born either of ignorance or of evil, and that evidence shows that for many ignorance is not an option. That leaves evil. Later it is also said that the farther communism progresses, the more difficult it is to recognize evil. Yikes! Think of Isaiah: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Old Testament, Isaiah 5:20). And yet there are people who would do all in their power to blur those lines. Darkness cannot be mistaken for light, not bitter for sweet--not unless we have lost or given up our ability to see or to taste. The same is true between good and evil. One cannot be mistaken for the other unless we give up our ability to judge and to choose.
Which brings us to the heart of the problem with communism. What I drew from the documentary was that the greatest problem with communism (which is the direction our country appears to be headed) is the removal of our agency. I fought for agency before I came to this earth! You did, too, or you would not be here. One man, Saul Alinsky, who promotes the communist agenda and has strongly influenced Obama actually dedicated a book: "Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgement to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history... the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom--Lucifer." My jaw dropped when I heard that. Evil, evil, evil! No God-fearing Christian could deny that this is evil! And this man has an influence on our president?
We, as humans, are set apart from the rest of God's creations by our agency: the ability to distinguish and to choose between good and evil. Satan's (Lucifer's) plan was to have a "perfect" world in which our agency would be removed and we would all be forced back to heaven. In exchange, he wanted the glory. Sound a little like the communist agenda? I would say so.
I chose God's plan. This I know, because I am here on earth. I chose to gain a physical body, to come to earth with agency: the freedom to choose. I knew I would make mistakes. But I also knew that God's plan included a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would make it possible for me to repent, to continue to choose right, and eventually return to God. I chose this. I even knew there would be suffering. But I also understood that the suffering was necessary in order to experience joy. Without opposition, we do not learn or progress. The communist agenda would remove all opposition and with it our ability to choose.
Nearly 50 years ago, then Elder Benson (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) warned against the evils of socialism as seen in this link. I love his comment: "Stand up for freedom, no matter what the cost. It can help to save your soul, and maybe your country." Several thoughts come to my mind as I consider this. First, my grandpa grew up in Hitler's Germany. I have rarely heard him speak of it; it is not something he likes to remember. Knowing this, knowing that he left his homeland to establish a home and later a family in a land of freedom, knowing the great love he has for the United States, how could I possibly support anything that resembles Hitler's Germany? Second, as I have already said, I know I fought for agency--for the freedom to choose--before I came to this life. Because of this, the final thought is that I will continue to fight. This is about the triumph of good over evil. God's plan will prevail--we know which team will win. The question is, whose team will we be on? I want to be found on God's team. I will continue to fight for freedom--freedom to choose, freedom to worship my God. Elder Benson said, "Stand up for freedom, no matter what the cost." To my dying breath, I will stand up for freedom, against socialism and communism. No matter what the cost. If the day comes that I must give my dying breath in this fight, so be it. I would rather give my life knowing that I am on the Lord's team, and receive my reward from Him, than merely exist on a team that will ultimately be defeated.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
30 days of gratitude
This will be an ongoing post this month. While I could post simply as Facebook statuses as many others are doing, if I blog instead, it all ends up in the same place.
1 November 2012. I am grateful for life. My life is good! :) It may not be perfect. Things have not happened the way I imagined. There are things I still desire and hope for. But I am reminded regularly that my Heavenly Father knows and loves me, and that He has a plan for me. His plan, though I may not understand it or be able to see it all clearly yet, is greater than I could imagine for myself. My righteous desires will be fulfilled in His time. I have faith in this and continue to find happiness as I trust in the Lord. I am grateful for the opportunity to be alive, to learn and discover and hopefully to fulfill His plan for me.
2 November 2012. I am grateful for sunshine. Sometimes in the summer heat I forget how much I love the light. I have been enjoying the Indian summer days since our first snowfall. I thoroughly enjoyed the warmth of the sun on my shoulders and the crunch of the autumn leaves under my feet as I walked home from work today. And the light that comes from the sun is a source of happiness. It is also a reminder of the Son, Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world and the only source of true happiness.
3 November 2012. I am grateful for my heritage. There are so many things and especially people who have contributed to who I am and where I am. I spent a little time with my maternal grandparents this evening, over dinner. I am grateful to them for having the courage to leave their homes and build a new life in America. I am grateful to earlier ancestors in my paternal line who joined the church, immigrated to Nauvoo, and crossed the plains to the Salt Lake Valley. The traits that define me came from these and other ancestors. Also part of my heritage is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the American dream. I have the freedom to practice my religion, to worship my God. And I have the freedom not only to dream but to strive for and accomplish my dreams. I hope and pray that I will always enjoy these freedoms, and that I may also leave this great heritage to my children and grandchildren.
4 November 2012. I am grateful for fasting. Yes, I know it sounds crazy. Some might interpret it as "I'm grateful that I have to starve myself once a month." But fasting done right isn't about starving. In fact, it's easy to forget physical hunger when you focus instead on feasting on the word of Christ, on inviting the Holy Spirit into your mind and heart, on strengthening your testimony of the gospel and specifically of fasting. Each month, I have the opportunity to focus and exercise my faith more fully. Each month, I am reminded how much more powerful the Spirit of the Lord can be in my life when I make a small sacrifice to come nearer to the Lord. Each month I have the opportunity to donate generously on behalf of others, in place of eating two meals on Sunday. Each month I feel my testimony strengthened as I fast and as I hear others' testimonies. For these and other reasons, I am grateful for fasting.
5 November 2012. I am grateful for liberty and for agency. I am grateful to live in a country that was established on principles of freedom. I am grateful that this means I have the right to vote, to raise my voice and cast my ballot. I have already mailed my ballot this year; in the past, I have also voted in person (well, at the machine set up at the polling location). Either way, I feel grateful to be a small part of the political process. I feel especially grateful to the many who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so I can enjoy liberty and opportunity, including the opportunity to vote. I love my country!
6 November 2012. I am grateful to be an American. I'm feeling disappointed right now, but I am still so grateful for the freedoms established by our founding fathers and by so many since then. I am grateful for those who have given and continue to give their all so I can enjoy these freedoms, including the right to vote. I still love this country and am grateful for our Constitution. I will continue to support the laws of the land and fight for the freedoms so many have already sacrificed for, and I will continue to pray for the United States of America.
7 November 2012. I am grateful for parents who taught me the gospel and to love God and country. I have been reading and listening to some of President Benson's words this evening. I was only 4 at the time he gave the conference talk--younger at the time of the other clip. But I'm pretty sure I heard those words, even if I didn't have the ability to understand it all, because my parents have always made the gospel a priority. One of my earliest memories is of attending a conference (while we lived in Texas, I believe) where President Benson spoke. I know it stuck with me because the gospel was important in our home and my parents emphasized the importance of hearing from a prophet of God. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your teaching, even when you may not have realized how much of an impact it had at the time and has had since.
8 November 2012. I am grateful for a good job. I know there are many people who are unemployed and others who are not satisfied with their jobs. I feel blessed to have a job where I enjoy what I do and have the opportunity to work with some great people. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and progress in my job and for the trust that is placed in me. I may occasionally complain about getting up early or about trying to keep up with everything, but I do enjoy my work, and I am grateful to be where I am today.
9 November 2012. I am grateful for snow. It was fun watching it fall all day, and it's fun to look out to see the world covered in white. I'm also grateful for babies. Hannah and I had a good evening, even if she spent a good portion of it very angry. I even got to hear her call Christel "Mama" for the first time... but Christel missed it. (She'd been crying, but as soon as she saw Christel again, she said "mamamamama.")
10 November 2012. I'm grateful for slow cookers and for ice cream. (Not together. I don't like ice cream soup.) I have some nice chicken for the next few days. And yes, I do still enjoy ice cream even when it's snowing.
11 November 2012. I am grateful for veterans and for those currently serving or preparing to serve our country. I am also grateful for their families. So many people have sacrificed much, and some have sacrificed all, so that I can enjoy the liberties I have today. Freedom is not free. Many continue to pay the price of freedom, and I am so grateful to them for their love of liberty over life. On a less somber note, I am grateful for rides to church, Sunday afternoon naps, and hot chocolate.
12 November 2012. I am grateful for a flexible boss (I left work at 11 today to finish a school assignment, promising to work 9-hour days the rest of the week) and an understanding professor (my computer died, and the old one that is still functional tends to freeze and take several minutes to respond again, so the professor offered a little leniency). Really, it's wonderful how understanding people are when you speak up honestly, act appropriately, and ask for understanding. I feel like today has been a successful (if long) day.
13 November 2012. Did I say I am grateful for my boss? I am. I'm grateful that he backs me up when I occasionally tell people no. I'm also grateful that he is back at work this week, so I don't have to be the only go-to person when something goes wrong. All in all, I'm just grateful for a really good boss who doesn't micromanage and yet is involved and aware. Today I am also grateful for warm things: hat, scarf, mittens, heater, hot water, hot chocolate, rice bag straight out of the microwave, fuzzy socks, and a warm bed.
14 November 2012. I am grateful for yarn and crochet hooks and excuses to make cute, fun things. It's so relaxing, I love discovering new patterns, and it really is amazing what can take shape from a bunch of different kinds of slip knots. I am really grateful for a soon-to-arrive niece, who will get a number of soft, warm, cute things.
15 November 2012. I am grateful for customer service reps who are kind and helpful. I called Office Max about my broken computer, and the manager will talk to the service warranty people if I take my computer in. He will also help retrieve stuff from the hard drive. (Yes!!!! Even if I decide I don't want to send the computer in again, at least I know I'll have everything, including what I did in the last month and didn't get a chance to back up. Now I know what I'm doing after work tomorrow....) I also called Sprint to clear up a minor problem on my bill. It took longer than I would have liked, but they were very helpful and it has been fixed. It's nice to talk to people who really do want to help. :)
16 November 2012. I am grateful to have a smart phone that does almost everything my computer does. It makes a weekend without Internet access somewhat more bearable when I can still check Facebook and email, check in on the discussion board(s) for my class, and look up the crochet patterns I had been working from. On that note, I am also very grateful for Google and for "the cloud." It's amazing to me that anything tied to my Google account can be accessed from any device that can access Google.
17 November 2012. I am grateful for beautiful productions to get me in the Christmas spirit--and friends and family who join me. Savior of the World has become a tradition for me: I love going, and I love sharing it with other people. I'm grateful for the family and friends who came--those who planned to come from the start, as well as those who joined us last minute. It was a beautiful afternoon and a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
18 November 2012. I am grateful for the opportunity to partake of the sacrament each week, to ponder on the atonement and to renew my covenants. I am grateful to attend church and leave behind the cares of the world briefly to study the gospel with others and to be spiritually renewed and refreshed. I am grateful for good friends who make life enjoyable.
19 November 2012. I am grateful for laughter. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time; an hour later I'm still on a "high" from laughing. Thanks Sue, Ashlynn, and Sheldon! I am especially grateful for Sheldon's laugh. It is soooo cute and contagious. I am grateful for family and for excuses to get together. Whitney's baby shower was fun, and now she has lots of cute things for baby Amanda, and everyone had a good time together.
20 November 2012. I am grateful for amigurumi. Yes, it's a word. I've recently discovered all these fantastic patterns for crocheted animals and other toys, and it's FUN. Plus, they're cute. I love trying out new patterns and seeing the results. I am also grateful for my bed. It's nice to know that I have a warm, comfortable place to sleep after a long day.
21 November 2012. I am grateful for express buses and carpool lanes. It made the ride to Orem much more reasonable. I am also grateful for family close by willing to pick me up from the bus... and for a nephew who decided it was worth getting in the car when he was told that they were going to pick up "tia."
22 November 2012. I am grateful for the ability to laugh at what might otherwise be considered a disaster. And I am grateful for people ready to serve in strange ways--like offering their oven when the one needed for Thanksgiving dinner had broken. I think Tom got frustrated, especially when the apartment manager's fancy oven shut off while the pies were baking, but Whitney and I couldn't help laughing. I am grateful not just for the Thanksgiving dinner we enjoyed but for the memories we created. I am also grateful for quiet neighbors. It's rare that I hear mine, but the upstairs neighbors at Tom and Whitney's stomp around a lot.
23 November 2012. I am grateful for the excitement of childhood. It's fun to see how much Jacob is learning and how much more he is talking. Sometimes it's clearly Spanish (Coco [comida]! Quiero coco!) and sometimes it's definitely English (The bear! The hat! The hot [hot chocolate]!) and often it's a very adamant Nnnnnnnnnnno! (drawn-out "N" and quick "O"), but it's fun to hear him say more and more each time I see him and to see how excited he is about learning new things.
24 November 2012. I am grateful for computers--and grateful I decided to order a new one. As many frustrations as computers can cause, they make library work much more feasible for both librarians and patrons. They also make it possible for me to be working on a degree at an out-of-state university while also working full-time. In spite of occasional agony, it's amazing what we can do with technology!
25 November 2012. I am grateful for gifts that "keep on giving." I finally used the last of the Amazon gift card I got last Christmas and got myself a cookie press. It was a lot of fun trying it out today, and I now have many cookies to share. Plus, I can look forward to using the cookie press many more times in the future. It's a lot of work, but I feel happy now. :)
26 November 2012. I am grateful for Family Home Evening. It's nice to have a time to get together to hear a brief gospel message and to enjoy the company of good friends (since I don't currently live with family). Of the many activities and other pastimes I can choose from each week, FHE is one that I have learned I need. It's a blessing to be a part of a church that encourages us to spend time as families not only to learn the gospel together but also just to have fun.
27 November 2012. I know I've already said it, but I'm grateful for a good boss--a boss who doesn't yell. In other dealings today, I heard a manager yell at an employee, "I'm busy, leave me alone!" - "But there's a young lady waiting..." - "I know she's here!" [Let's just say, once I'm done with this warranty stuff, I think Office Max really has lost my business.] I feel really blessed to have a pleasant work environment where I get along with my coworkers and my boss and can feel comfortable at work each day.
I am also very grateful for the power of the Holy Ghost. I was thinking about a friend, Jenn Tolman, this morning. For those who follow my blog, you may remember this post. Jenn posted later this morning on Facebook: "8 months...feels like forever to me." In other words, today marks eight months since her brother's unexpected death. I don't believe it is coincidence that I thought of her this morning, even before I saw her post. I am truly grateful that the Holy Ghost can bring things and people to mind and guide us in small ways to offer help and support to those who may need it.
28 November 2012. I am grateful for a great ward and especially for a wonderful bishop and bishopric. The bishop wanted to see me tonight just to find out how I'm doing. I am so grateful to know that the bishopric and their wives are genuinely concerned about individuals in the ward. It's really nice to feel loved and appreciated.
29 November 2012. I am grateful for new life, especially for a beautiful new niece, Amanda Lorraine Stevenson. I am sooo excited to meet her tomorrow. I am grateful for unseasonably warm weather. And I am grateful for a new computer! I just got it set up. I think I'm going to like it. :) And once again I'm grateful for the cloud. It's amazing how much Google can do; just by setting up and signing into Chrome, I have all my favorites back.
30 November 2012. I am grateful for Cheerios. It sounds silly, maybe, but it's something I was able to eat today. I'm also grateful for a comfortable bed, and for books and movies to keep me entertained when I'm not up to anything else. I'm especially grateful for the comfortable bed; it seems like I've spent the whole day either reading or dozing. And I'm grateful for health and that I am normally pretty healthy. It's easy to take it for granted until I get sick, but I really am grateful to be generally healthy and hope this bug goes away soon.
1 November 2012. I am grateful for life. My life is good! :) It may not be perfect. Things have not happened the way I imagined. There are things I still desire and hope for. But I am reminded regularly that my Heavenly Father knows and loves me, and that He has a plan for me. His plan, though I may not understand it or be able to see it all clearly yet, is greater than I could imagine for myself. My righteous desires will be fulfilled in His time. I have faith in this and continue to find happiness as I trust in the Lord. I am grateful for the opportunity to be alive, to learn and discover and hopefully to fulfill His plan for me.
2 November 2012. I am grateful for sunshine. Sometimes in the summer heat I forget how much I love the light. I have been enjoying the Indian summer days since our first snowfall. I thoroughly enjoyed the warmth of the sun on my shoulders and the crunch of the autumn leaves under my feet as I walked home from work today. And the light that comes from the sun is a source of happiness. It is also a reminder of the Son, Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world and the only source of true happiness.
3 November 2012. I am grateful for my heritage. There are so many things and especially people who have contributed to who I am and where I am. I spent a little time with my maternal grandparents this evening, over dinner. I am grateful to them for having the courage to leave their homes and build a new life in America. I am grateful to earlier ancestors in my paternal line who joined the church, immigrated to Nauvoo, and crossed the plains to the Salt Lake Valley. The traits that define me came from these and other ancestors. Also part of my heritage is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the American dream. I have the freedom to practice my religion, to worship my God. And I have the freedom not only to dream but to strive for and accomplish my dreams. I hope and pray that I will always enjoy these freedoms, and that I may also leave this great heritage to my children and grandchildren.
4 November 2012. I am grateful for fasting. Yes, I know it sounds crazy. Some might interpret it as "I'm grateful that I have to starve myself once a month." But fasting done right isn't about starving. In fact, it's easy to forget physical hunger when you focus instead on feasting on the word of Christ, on inviting the Holy Spirit into your mind and heart, on strengthening your testimony of the gospel and specifically of fasting. Each month, I have the opportunity to focus and exercise my faith more fully. Each month, I am reminded how much more powerful the Spirit of the Lord can be in my life when I make a small sacrifice to come nearer to the Lord. Each month I have the opportunity to donate generously on behalf of others, in place of eating two meals on Sunday. Each month I feel my testimony strengthened as I fast and as I hear others' testimonies. For these and other reasons, I am grateful for fasting.
5 November 2012. I am grateful for liberty and for agency. I am grateful to live in a country that was established on principles of freedom. I am grateful that this means I have the right to vote, to raise my voice and cast my ballot. I have already mailed my ballot this year; in the past, I have also voted in person (well, at the machine set up at the polling location). Either way, I feel grateful to be a small part of the political process. I feel especially grateful to the many who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so I can enjoy liberty and opportunity, including the opportunity to vote. I love my country!
6 November 2012. I am grateful to be an American. I'm feeling disappointed right now, but I am still so grateful for the freedoms established by our founding fathers and by so many since then. I am grateful for those who have given and continue to give their all so I can enjoy these freedoms, including the right to vote. I still love this country and am grateful for our Constitution. I will continue to support the laws of the land and fight for the freedoms so many have already sacrificed for, and I will continue to pray for the United States of America.
7 November 2012. I am grateful for parents who taught me the gospel and to love God and country. I have been reading and listening to some of President Benson's words this evening. I was only 4 at the time he gave the conference talk--younger at the time of the other clip. But I'm pretty sure I heard those words, even if I didn't have the ability to understand it all, because my parents have always made the gospel a priority. One of my earliest memories is of attending a conference (while we lived in Texas, I believe) where President Benson spoke. I know it stuck with me because the gospel was important in our home and my parents emphasized the importance of hearing from a prophet of God. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your teaching, even when you may not have realized how much of an impact it had at the time and has had since.
8 November 2012. I am grateful for a good job. I know there are many people who are unemployed and others who are not satisfied with their jobs. I feel blessed to have a job where I enjoy what I do and have the opportunity to work with some great people. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and progress in my job and for the trust that is placed in me. I may occasionally complain about getting up early or about trying to keep up with everything, but I do enjoy my work, and I am grateful to be where I am today.
9 November 2012. I am grateful for snow. It was fun watching it fall all day, and it's fun to look out to see the world covered in white. I'm also grateful for babies. Hannah and I had a good evening, even if she spent a good portion of it very angry. I even got to hear her call Christel "Mama" for the first time... but Christel missed it. (She'd been crying, but as soon as she saw Christel again, she said "mamamamama.")
10 November 2012. I'm grateful for slow cookers and for ice cream. (Not together. I don't like ice cream soup.) I have some nice chicken for the next few days. And yes, I do still enjoy ice cream even when it's snowing.
11 November 2012. I am grateful for veterans and for those currently serving or preparing to serve our country. I am also grateful for their families. So many people have sacrificed much, and some have sacrificed all, so that I can enjoy the liberties I have today. Freedom is not free. Many continue to pay the price of freedom, and I am so grateful to them for their love of liberty over life. On a less somber note, I am grateful for rides to church, Sunday afternoon naps, and hot chocolate.
12 November 2012. I am grateful for a flexible boss (I left work at 11 today to finish a school assignment, promising to work 9-hour days the rest of the week) and an understanding professor (my computer died, and the old one that is still functional tends to freeze and take several minutes to respond again, so the professor offered a little leniency). Really, it's wonderful how understanding people are when you speak up honestly, act appropriately, and ask for understanding. I feel like today has been a successful (if long) day.
13 November 2012. Did I say I am grateful for my boss? I am. I'm grateful that he backs me up when I occasionally tell people no. I'm also grateful that he is back at work this week, so I don't have to be the only go-to person when something goes wrong. All in all, I'm just grateful for a really good boss who doesn't micromanage and yet is involved and aware. Today I am also grateful for warm things: hat, scarf, mittens, heater, hot water, hot chocolate, rice bag straight out of the microwave, fuzzy socks, and a warm bed.
14 November 2012. I am grateful for yarn and crochet hooks and excuses to make cute, fun things. It's so relaxing, I love discovering new patterns, and it really is amazing what can take shape from a bunch of different kinds of slip knots. I am really grateful for a soon-to-arrive niece, who will get a number of soft, warm, cute things.
15 November 2012. I am grateful for customer service reps who are kind and helpful. I called Office Max about my broken computer, and the manager will talk to the service warranty people if I take my computer in. He will also help retrieve stuff from the hard drive. (Yes!!!! Even if I decide I don't want to send the computer in again, at least I know I'll have everything, including what I did in the last month and didn't get a chance to back up. Now I know what I'm doing after work tomorrow....) I also called Sprint to clear up a minor problem on my bill. It took longer than I would have liked, but they were very helpful and it has been fixed. It's nice to talk to people who really do want to help. :)
16 November 2012. I am grateful to have a smart phone that does almost everything my computer does. It makes a weekend without Internet access somewhat more bearable when I can still check Facebook and email, check in on the discussion board(s) for my class, and look up the crochet patterns I had been working from. On that note, I am also very grateful for Google and for "the cloud." It's amazing to me that anything tied to my Google account can be accessed from any device that can access Google.
17 November 2012. I am grateful for beautiful productions to get me in the Christmas spirit--and friends and family who join me. Savior of the World has become a tradition for me: I love going, and I love sharing it with other people. I'm grateful for the family and friends who came--those who planned to come from the start, as well as those who joined us last minute. It was a beautiful afternoon and a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
18 November 2012. I am grateful for the opportunity to partake of the sacrament each week, to ponder on the atonement and to renew my covenants. I am grateful to attend church and leave behind the cares of the world briefly to study the gospel with others and to be spiritually renewed and refreshed. I am grateful for good friends who make life enjoyable.
19 November 2012. I am grateful for laughter. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time; an hour later I'm still on a "high" from laughing. Thanks Sue, Ashlynn, and Sheldon! I am especially grateful for Sheldon's laugh. It is soooo cute and contagious. I am grateful for family and for excuses to get together. Whitney's baby shower was fun, and now she has lots of cute things for baby Amanda, and everyone had a good time together.
20 November 2012. I am grateful for amigurumi. Yes, it's a word. I've recently discovered all these fantastic patterns for crocheted animals and other toys, and it's FUN. Plus, they're cute. I love trying out new patterns and seeing the results. I am also grateful for my bed. It's nice to know that I have a warm, comfortable place to sleep after a long day.
21 November 2012. I am grateful for express buses and carpool lanes. It made the ride to Orem much more reasonable. I am also grateful for family close by willing to pick me up from the bus... and for a nephew who decided it was worth getting in the car when he was told that they were going to pick up "tia."
22 November 2012. I am grateful for the ability to laugh at what might otherwise be considered a disaster. And I am grateful for people ready to serve in strange ways--like offering their oven when the one needed for Thanksgiving dinner had broken. I think Tom got frustrated, especially when the apartment manager's fancy oven shut off while the pies were baking, but Whitney and I couldn't help laughing. I am grateful not just for the Thanksgiving dinner we enjoyed but for the memories we created. I am also grateful for quiet neighbors. It's rare that I hear mine, but the upstairs neighbors at Tom and Whitney's stomp around a lot.
23 November 2012. I am grateful for the excitement of childhood. It's fun to see how much Jacob is learning and how much more he is talking. Sometimes it's clearly Spanish (Coco [comida]! Quiero coco!) and sometimes it's definitely English (The bear! The hat! The hot [hot chocolate]!) and often it's a very adamant Nnnnnnnnnnno! (drawn-out "N" and quick "O"), but it's fun to hear him say more and more each time I see him and to see how excited he is about learning new things.
24 November 2012. I am grateful for computers--and grateful I decided to order a new one. As many frustrations as computers can cause, they make library work much more feasible for both librarians and patrons. They also make it possible for me to be working on a degree at an out-of-state university while also working full-time. In spite of occasional agony, it's amazing what we can do with technology!
25 November 2012. I am grateful for gifts that "keep on giving." I finally used the last of the Amazon gift card I got last Christmas and got myself a cookie press. It was a lot of fun trying it out today, and I now have many cookies to share. Plus, I can look forward to using the cookie press many more times in the future. It's a lot of work, but I feel happy now. :)
26 November 2012. I am grateful for Family Home Evening. It's nice to have a time to get together to hear a brief gospel message and to enjoy the company of good friends (since I don't currently live with family). Of the many activities and other pastimes I can choose from each week, FHE is one that I have learned I need. It's a blessing to be a part of a church that encourages us to spend time as families not only to learn the gospel together but also just to have fun.
27 November 2012. I know I've already said it, but I'm grateful for a good boss--a boss who doesn't yell. In other dealings today, I heard a manager yell at an employee, "I'm busy, leave me alone!" - "But there's a young lady waiting..." - "I know she's here!" [Let's just say, once I'm done with this warranty stuff, I think Office Max really has lost my business.] I feel really blessed to have a pleasant work environment where I get along with my coworkers and my boss and can feel comfortable at work each day.
I am also very grateful for the power of the Holy Ghost. I was thinking about a friend, Jenn Tolman, this morning. For those who follow my blog, you may remember this post. Jenn posted later this morning on Facebook: "8 months...feels like forever to me." In other words, today marks eight months since her brother's unexpected death. I don't believe it is coincidence that I thought of her this morning, even before I saw her post. I am truly grateful that the Holy Ghost can bring things and people to mind and guide us in small ways to offer help and support to those who may need it.
28 November 2012. I am grateful for a great ward and especially for a wonderful bishop and bishopric. The bishop wanted to see me tonight just to find out how I'm doing. I am so grateful to know that the bishopric and their wives are genuinely concerned about individuals in the ward. It's really nice to feel loved and appreciated.
29 November 2012. I am grateful for new life, especially for a beautiful new niece, Amanda Lorraine Stevenson. I am sooo excited to meet her tomorrow. I am grateful for unseasonably warm weather. And I am grateful for a new computer! I just got it set up. I think I'm going to like it. :) And once again I'm grateful for the cloud. It's amazing how much Google can do; just by setting up and signing into Chrome, I have all my favorites back.
30 November 2012. I am grateful for Cheerios. It sounds silly, maybe, but it's something I was able to eat today. I'm also grateful for a comfortable bed, and for books and movies to keep me entertained when I'm not up to anything else. I'm especially grateful for the comfortable bed; it seems like I've spent the whole day either reading or dozing. And I'm grateful for health and that I am normally pretty healthy. It's easy to take it for granted until I get sick, but I really am grateful to be generally healthy and hope this bug goes away soon.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Give! said the little stream
This simple Primary song took on a new meaning for me today. If you've never heard it before (or even if you have), you can listen to it here.
We always seem to think about the stream giving and giving and giving. But taken as a whole, there's a deeper message.
We each have times in our lives where we feel like we've given. A lot. Sometimes we wonder where who will give to us, especially when we're feeling most down. Sometimes it feels like no one will. A comment made me consider what happens "behind the scenes" in this simple song.
A stream can't just "give away, oh, give away." It has to receive something. Through rain, snow, etc., it must continually be replenished. If it is not, it will dry up. It only has so much to give, unless it also continues to receive.
I guess it's significant, then, that the rain comes in the next verse. It doesn't just raise the drooping heads of the flowers. It replenishes the stream, so it can also continue giving. And even the flowers continue to give: they give joy and beauty.
"Give, then, as Jesus gives.... There is something all can give." Often it isn't very big. In fact, many times it will be very small. But there is something all can give. Everyone. You. Me. The old. The young. Everyone!
And as I was reminded today, it is as we all give that we build a Zion community. In building a Zion community, we become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. We learn to love as He loves. We give and receive replenishment, strengthening each other. "Give," said the little stream. Because if you and I don't give, the stream that tries so hard to give will eventually run dry. "Give," said the little stream. "Give, then, as Jesus gives." Because Jesus Christ is not among us now. Because we must be His hands on earth in serving each other. One person cannot do it alone, but imagine a world where each person recognized his neighbors' needs! Imagine a world where Zion was truly established: "And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 7:18) Imagine that world! Then do what you can to bring that world into being. It is possible if we all heed the counsel of the little stream. :)
We always seem to think about the stream giving and giving and giving. But taken as a whole, there's a deeper message.
We each have times in our lives where we feel like we've given. A lot. Sometimes we wonder where who will give to us, especially when we're feeling most down. Sometimes it feels like no one will. A comment made me consider what happens "behind the scenes" in this simple song.
A stream can't just "give away, oh, give away." It has to receive something. Through rain, snow, etc., it must continually be replenished. If it is not, it will dry up. It only has so much to give, unless it also continues to receive.
I guess it's significant, then, that the rain comes in the next verse. It doesn't just raise the drooping heads of the flowers. It replenishes the stream, so it can also continue giving. And even the flowers continue to give: they give joy and beauty.
"Give, then, as Jesus gives.... There is something all can give." Often it isn't very big. In fact, many times it will be very small. But there is something all can give. Everyone. You. Me. The old. The young. Everyone!
And as I was reminded today, it is as we all give that we build a Zion community. In building a Zion community, we become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. We learn to love as He loves. We give and receive replenishment, strengthening each other. "Give," said the little stream. Because if you and I don't give, the stream that tries so hard to give will eventually run dry. "Give," said the little stream. "Give, then, as Jesus gives." Because Jesus Christ is not among us now. Because we must be His hands on earth in serving each other. One person cannot do it alone, but imagine a world where each person recognized his neighbors' needs! Imagine a world where Zion was truly established: "And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 7:18) Imagine that world! Then do what you can to bring that world into being. It is possible if we all heed the counsel of the little stream. :)
Thursday, August 2, 2012
"Die Gedanken sind frei!" (Thoughts are free... or are they?)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Do these words sound familiar? What do they mean to you?
We do know that freedom of speech has not been interpreted to allow for slander and libel. Fair enough. It should not cause harm to others.
However, there is also another extreme. Freedom of speech does not mean, "You are free to voice your opinion as long as I agree with you." What kind of freedom is that? I have been taught all my life to think and decide for myself. I will not be force-fed what the government or others think I should believe. Nor should anyone else.
I have chosen to boycott businesses or groups for specific reasons. It does not mean I seek to attack them. I quietly boycotted Girl Scout cookies this year after learning some things I didn't like. I know there are many who would disagree with that decision. However, if someone had sought to prevent them from spreading, I would have been up-in-arms with the rest. Not because I support their stance on everything, but because I still believe in the American dream. I will fight for free speech, for a free enterprise system. I will fight for the America I love.
I was not among those who went to Chick-Fil-A yesterday. I hate crowds. I don't typically feel the need to follow the crowd. (I showed my support last Friday, even if it was alone and quietly.) But the attacks on Chick-Fil-A and on those who went out to show their support bother me. Over and over again I see increasing intolerance... in the name of tolerance.
As with freedom of speech, tolerance does not mean, "I will be tolerant as long as I agree with you." However, the two must go hand in hand. Consider this: I can express my disagreement without hating you! And I will listen to your opinions insofar as they are not harmful to me. I do not handle conflict well, and never have, but this does not mean I will not listen to others' opinions. But though I listen, neither tolerance nor free speech mean I have to agree with you, or that you have to agree with me.
I have never had a bad experience at Chick-Fil-A. Their employees are trained to be very courteous. I believe their customer service is far better than most other places'. So what is the problem? A man voiced his opinion. I have never witnessed discrimination on the part of this man or any of the employees of his company. I do not believe he would refuse to hire someone because their views or practices differed from his. That would not be Christian. He simply said he supports the traditional definition of family. Guess what? He exercised two rights there: freedom of religion, and freedom of speech. He did not say he would refuse service to people or avoid hiring them. What he said did not cause anyone harm or infringe on anyone's rights.
My choice to go out of my way to support Chick-Fil-A last week was not in reaction to Dan Cathy's comments. I agree with his stance on marriage and family, but that is by no means the only reason I choose to purchase fast food. My decision to go came after I read about the reactions to his statement. Mayors can ban an owner from expanding into their city because he does not hold the same beliefs they do? That, my friend, is not democracy. That is communism. If allowed, I would expect the speedy downfall of the country I love. My decision to go was to exercise my right to free speech, and to support not only one man's right to free speech, but all Americans' right to free speech.
I hear tell of a possible "kiss-in" at Chick-Fil-A tomorrow. I suppose the intent is to keep people away, to reduce business? Well, I won't be there. But since many are comparing this to the peaceful sit-ins of the '60s... so be it. I won't be there to witness it, but on the same token I won't try to stop it. Let me just say, quite frankly, that I would be just as uncomfortable being there if it were a lot of heterosexual couples holding a kiss-in. PDA is gross, inappropriate, and uncomfortable for many people. It certainly doesn't support families of any kind.
I know I have often voiced my opinion on gay marriage. I cannot support it. But this does not mean that I hate people whose life decisions are different from my own. I know I may be opening myself up to a lot of attacks. I hope that isn't the case. Even if your opinion differs from mine, the foundation upon which this country is built must allow us to agree to disagree on many points. Tolerance must be extended to all, or it is not tolerance.
Mostly I feel a lot of sadness in the decline of values that our country has proudly held up for so many years. Reverse discrimination is still discrimination. Infringing on the freedom of speech of someone not part of a "minority" group is still infringing on freedom of speech. When someone says something we don't like, let us respectfully agree to disagree.
Do these words sound familiar? What do they mean to you?
We do know that freedom of speech has not been interpreted to allow for slander and libel. Fair enough. It should not cause harm to others.
However, there is also another extreme. Freedom of speech does not mean, "You are free to voice your opinion as long as I agree with you." What kind of freedom is that? I have been taught all my life to think and decide for myself. I will not be force-fed what the government or others think I should believe. Nor should anyone else.
I have chosen to boycott businesses or groups for specific reasons. It does not mean I seek to attack them. I quietly boycotted Girl Scout cookies this year after learning some things I didn't like. I know there are many who would disagree with that decision. However, if someone had sought to prevent them from spreading, I would have been up-in-arms with the rest. Not because I support their stance on everything, but because I still believe in the American dream. I will fight for free speech, for a free enterprise system. I will fight for the America I love.
I was not among those who went to Chick-Fil-A yesterday. I hate crowds. I don't typically feel the need to follow the crowd. (I showed my support last Friday, even if it was alone and quietly.) But the attacks on Chick-Fil-A and on those who went out to show their support bother me. Over and over again I see increasing intolerance... in the name of tolerance.
As with freedom of speech, tolerance does not mean, "I will be tolerant as long as I agree with you." However, the two must go hand in hand. Consider this: I can express my disagreement without hating you! And I will listen to your opinions insofar as they are not harmful to me. I do not handle conflict well, and never have, but this does not mean I will not listen to others' opinions. But though I listen, neither tolerance nor free speech mean I have to agree with you, or that you have to agree with me.
I have never had a bad experience at Chick-Fil-A. Their employees are trained to be very courteous. I believe their customer service is far better than most other places'. So what is the problem? A man voiced his opinion. I have never witnessed discrimination on the part of this man or any of the employees of his company. I do not believe he would refuse to hire someone because their views or practices differed from his. That would not be Christian. He simply said he supports the traditional definition of family. Guess what? He exercised two rights there: freedom of religion, and freedom of speech. He did not say he would refuse service to people or avoid hiring them. What he said did not cause anyone harm or infringe on anyone's rights.
My choice to go out of my way to support Chick-Fil-A last week was not in reaction to Dan Cathy's comments. I agree with his stance on marriage and family, but that is by no means the only reason I choose to purchase fast food. My decision to go came after I read about the reactions to his statement. Mayors can ban an owner from expanding into their city because he does not hold the same beliefs they do? That, my friend, is not democracy. That is communism. If allowed, I would expect the speedy downfall of the country I love. My decision to go was to exercise my right to free speech, and to support not only one man's right to free speech, but all Americans' right to free speech.
I hear tell of a possible "kiss-in" at Chick-Fil-A tomorrow. I suppose the intent is to keep people away, to reduce business? Well, I won't be there. But since many are comparing this to the peaceful sit-ins of the '60s... so be it. I won't be there to witness it, but on the same token I won't try to stop it. Let me just say, quite frankly, that I would be just as uncomfortable being there if it were a lot of heterosexual couples holding a kiss-in. PDA is gross, inappropriate, and uncomfortable for many people. It certainly doesn't support families of any kind.
I know I have often voiced my opinion on gay marriage. I cannot support it. But this does not mean that I hate people whose life decisions are different from my own. I know I may be opening myself up to a lot of attacks. I hope that isn't the case. Even if your opinion differs from mine, the foundation upon which this country is built must allow us to agree to disagree on many points. Tolerance must be extended to all, or it is not tolerance.
Mostly I feel a lot of sadness in the decline of values that our country has proudly held up for so many years. Reverse discrimination is still discrimination. Infringing on the freedom of speech of someone not part of a "minority" group is still infringing on freedom of speech. When someone says something we don't like, let us respectfully agree to disagree.
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