My Personal Feelings

Allow me to rant...a little bit. There is a group(s) of women on facebook who would like women to pray publically in general conference, wear pants to church on Sunday, and hold the Priesthood. I commented on one of their posts. I have Included it here: "Why is this even an issue? I have more important things to do with my time then worry about who prays in general conference or why women don't wear pants to church! Or worry about why women don't hold the Priesthood! Personally, as long as a prayer is said, I could care less about who says it. And I wear a dress to church on Sunday to show reverence and respect for the Lord's holy day! And I don't care who holds the Priesthood. I'm just grateful it's on the earth to bless my life. Life would be dreary and dismal without it!" My intention isn't to offend anyone. I just want to share my feelings and testimony on the issues facing women in the church today.

Pillar of Light

While Caesar Augustus strutted briefly across the stage of history, thinking that it was somehow he who ruled the world, a humble carpenter named Joseph from Nazareth and a virgin named Mary made their way to a quiet village nestled in the limestone hills of Judea. No royal trumpeters heralded the events which followed. There were no purple robes or Crown Jewels, no messengers sent racing through the night to announce the coming of the King of kings. Shepherds were told of the Lord's advent, as were the Magi from the East, but for the most part the world slumbered on, oblivious to the fact that on this night the whole of all eternity was being changed.

2013 Book Challenge

Last year I read 81 books. This year I am shooting for 50. I know it's a low number, but life is busy! And I know it's a number I can handle! Wish me luck! Happy 2013!!!

Gail Sheehy

If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.

~ Gail Sheehy

Victor Hugo

Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees.

~ Victor Hugo

Facebook Quote

Something that is hard to remember.

Mitt Romney-Faith In America

Faith In America Mitt Romney Speaking at the George Bush Presidential Library, Gov. Mitt Romney addressed the American people about his views on religious liberty, our country grand tradition of religious tolerance and how faith would inform his presidency. Romney's "Faith In America" Address: "Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind introduction. "It is an honor to be here today. This is an inspiring place because of you and the First Lady and because of the film exhibited across the way in the Presidential library. For those who have not seen it, it shows the President as a young pilot, shot down during the Second World War, being rescued from his life-raft by the crew of an American submarine. It is a moving reminder that when America has faced challenge and peril, Americans rise to the occasion, willing to risk their very lives to defend freedom and preserve our nation. We are in your debt. Thank you, Mr. President. "Mr. President, your generation rose to the occasion, first to defeat Fascism and then to vanquish the Soviet Union. You left us, your children, a free and strong America. It is why we call yours the greatest generation. It is now my generation's turn. How we respond to today's challenges will define our generation. And it will determine what kind of America we will leave our children, and theirs. "America faces a new generation of challenges. Radical violent Islam seeks to destroy us. An emerging China endeavors to surpass our economic leadership. And we are troubled at home by government overspending, overuse of foreign oil, and the breakdown of the family. "Over the last year, we have embarked on a national debate on how best to preserve American leadership. Today, I wish to address a topic which I believe is fundamental to America's greatness: our religious liberty. I will also offer perspectives on how my own faith would inform my Presidency, if I were elected. "There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us. If so, they are at odds with the nation's founders, for they, when our nation faced its greatest peril, sought the blessings of the Creator. And further, they discovered the essential connection between the survival of a free land and the protection of religious freedom. In John Adams? words: 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion... Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people.' "Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone. "Given our grand tradition of religious tolerance and liberty, some wonder whether there are any questions regarding an aspiring candidate's religion that are appropriate. I believe there are. And I will answer them today. "Almost 50 years ago another candidate from Massachusetts explained that he was an American running for president, not a Catholic running for president. Like him, I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith. "Let me assure you that no authorities of my church, or of any other church for that matter, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin. "As governor, I tried to do the right as best I knew it, serving the law and answering to the Constitution. I did not confuse the particular teachings of my church with the obligations of the office and of the Constitution ? and of course, I would not do so as President. I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law. "As a young man, Lincoln described what he called America's 'political religion' ? the commitment to defend the rule of law and the Constitution. When I place my hand on the Bible and take the oath of office, that oath becomes my highest promise to God. If I am fortunate to become your president, I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest. A President must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States. "There are some for whom these commitments are not enough. They would prefer it if I would simply distance myself from my religion, say that it is more a tradition than my personal conviction, or disavow one or another of its precepts. That I will not do. I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. My faith is the faith of my fathers ? I will be true to them and to my beliefs. "Some believe that such a confession of my faith will sink my candidacy. If they are right, so be it. But I think they underestimate the American people. Americans do not respect believers of convenience. Americans tire of those who would jettison their beliefs, even to gain the world. "There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance. Religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree. "There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church's distinctive doctrines. To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution. No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes President he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths. "I believe that every faith I have encountered draws its adherents closer to God. And in every faith I have come to know, there are features I wish were in my own: I love the profound ceremony of the Catholic Mass, the approachability of God in the prayers of the Evangelicals, the tenderness of spirit among the Pentecostals, the confident independence of the Lutherans, the ancient traditions of the Jews, unchanged through the ages, and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims. As I travel across the country and see our towns and cities, I am always moved by the many houses of worship with their steeples, all pointing to heaven, reminding us of the source of life's blessings. "It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it's usually a sound rule to focus on the latter ? on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course. Whether it was the cause of abolition, or civil rights, or the right to life itself, no movement of conscience can succeed in America that cannot speak to the convictions of religious people. "We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America ? the religion of secularism. They are wrong. "The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation 'Under God' and in God, we do indeed trust. "We should acknowledge the Creator as did the Founders ? in ceremony and word. He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places. Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our constitution rests. I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.' "Nor would I separate us from our religious heritage. Perhaps the most important question to ask a person of faith who seeks a political office, is this: does he share these American values: the equality of human kind, the obligation to serve one another, and a steadfast commitment to liberty? "They are not unique to any one denomination. They belong to the great moral inheritance we hold in common. They are the firm ground on which Americans of different faiths meet and stand as a nation, united. "We believe that every single human being is a child of God ? we are all part of the human family. The conviction of the inherent and inalienable worth of every life is still the most revolutionary political proposition ever advanced. John Adams put it that we are 'thrown into the world all equal and alike.' "The consequence of our common humanity is our responsibility to one another, to our fellow Americans foremost, but also to every child of God. It is an obligation which is fulfilled by Americans every day, here and across the globe, without regard to creed or race or nationality. "Americans acknowledge that liberty is a gift of God, not an indulgence of government. No people in the history of the world have sacrificed as much for liberty. The lives of hundreds of thousands of America's sons and daughters were laid down during the last century to preserve freedom, for us and for freedom loving people throughout the world. America took nothing from that Century's terrible wars -- no land from Germany or Japan or Korea; no treasure; no oath of fealty. America's resolve in the defense of liberty has been tested time and again. It has not been found wanting, nor must it ever be. America must never falter in holding high the banner of freedom. "These American values, this great moral heritage, is shared and lived in my religion as it is in yours. I was taught in my home to honor God and love my neighbor. I saw my father march with Martin Luther King. I saw my parents provide compassionate care to others, in personal ways to people nearby, and in just as consequential ways in leading national volunteer movements. I am moved by the Lord's words: 'For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me...' "My faith is grounded on these truths. You can witness them in Ann and my marriage and in our family. We are a long way from perfect and we have surely stumbled along the way, but our aspirations, our values, are the self-same as those from the other faiths that stand upon this common foundation. And these convictions will indeed inform my presidency. "Today's generations of Americans have always known religious liberty. Perhaps we forget the long and arduous path our nation's forbearers took to achieve it. They came here from England to seek freedom of religion. But upon finding it for themselves, they at first denied it to others. Because of their diverse beliefs, Ann Hutchinson was exiled from Massachusetts Bay, a banished Roger Williams founded Rhode Island, and two centuries later, Brigham Young set out for the West. Americans were unable to accommodate their commitment to their own faith with an appreciation for the convictions of others to different faiths. In this, they were very much like those of the European nations they had left. "It was in Philadelphia that our founding fathers defined a revolutionary vision of liberty, grounded on self evident truths about the equality of all, and the inalienable rights with which each is endowed by his Creator. "We cherish these sacred rights, and secure them in our Constitutional order. Foremost do we protect religious liberty, not as a matter of policy but as a matter of right. There will be no established church, and we are guaranteed the free exercise of our religion. "I'm not sure that we fully appreciate the profound implications of our tradition of religious liberty. I have visited many of the magnificent cathedrals in Europe. They are so inspired ? so grand ? so empty. Raised up over generations, long ago, so many of the cathedrals now stand as the postcard backdrop to societies just too busy or too 'enlightened' to venture inside and kneel in prayer. The establishment of state religions in Europe did no favor to Europe's churches. And though you will find many people of strong faith there, the churches themselves seem to be withering away. "Infinitely worse is the other extreme, the creed of conversion by conquest: violent Jihad, murder as martyrdom... killing Christians, Jews, and Muslims with equal indifference. These radical Islamists do their preaching not by reason or example, but in the coercion of minds and the shedding of blood. We face no greater danger today than theocratic tyranny, and the boundless suffering these states and groups could inflict if given the chance. "The diversity of our cultural expression, and the vibrancy of our religious dialogue, has kept America in the forefront of civilized nations even as others regard religious freedom as something to be destroyed. "In such a world, we can be deeply thankful that we live in a land where reason and religion are friends and allies in the cause of liberty, joined against the evils and dangers of the day. And you can be certain of this: Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me. And so it is for hundreds of millions of our countrymen: we do not insist on a single strain of religion ? rather, we welcome our nation's symphony of faith. "Recall the early days of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, during the fall of 1774. With Boston occupied by British troops, there were rumors of imminent hostilities and fears of an impending war. In this time of peril, someone suggested that they pray. But there were objections. 'They were too divided in religious sentiments', what with Episcopalians and Quakers, Anabaptists and Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Catholics. "Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot. "And so together they prayed, and together they fought, and together, by the grace of God ... they founded this great nation. "In that spirit, let us give thanks to the divine 'author of liberty.' And together, let us pray that this land may always be blessed, 'with freedom's holy light.' "God bless the United States of America." Read more: http://www.wcvb.com/Text-Of-Romney-Religion-Speech/-/9849586/11342280/-/eo7w2w/-/index.html#ixzz28fbDGVYa

Mark Saal, Standard Examiner

Could Mormons Missing Meals Affect Presidential Campaign? In the words of the late, great Victor Frankenstein: “It’s alive! It’s a-a-a-LIVE!” Anyone who doesn’t believe a corpse can be reanimated obviously didn’t watch last week’s presidential debate. On Wednesday, President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney faced off in the first of three televised debates. And frankly, prior to that event, Romney was pretty much The Walking Dead. That’s right, dead. Dead as a doornail. Dead as a dodo. Dead as a Kardashian’s career. C’mon, be honest. Y’all thought this election was so very over. Before Wednesday night, any hope of the first Latter-day Saint being elected president of the United States was rapidly becoming a distant dream. Then, suddenly, the Mormon came out stormin’. Romney clearly, easily, won that debate. And now, with less than a month to go in the campaign, we have ourselves a horse race again. (Of course, one could argue that, in this particular race, they’re only running the back halves of the horses ...) Predictably, the two sides have been spinning the debate results like a cat in a clothes dryer. Folks on the right claimed an immediate, decisive victory. Judging from their absolute giddiness, you’d think it was time for Romney to start picking out his Bible for the swearing-in ceremony. (Say, speaking of which, think they’d let him take the oath of office on The Book of Mormon? Or at the very least, on a quadruple combination? Just wondering ...) Folks on the left, on the other hand, have been whining louder than the losing side at a BYU-Utah football game. They’re calling Mitt Romney a cheater. They said that even if he did win, it was only on “style,” not on “substance.” Some even blamed the moderator. The moderator. That’s like blaming a loss on the referees, a most unbecoming attitude. (Although, for the record, Green Bay fans get a temporary pass on this one.) But mostly, the Left simply called Mitt Romney a liar. Really? It takes a certain amount of hubris to think that only one party is playing fast and loose with the facts. One politician calling another politician a liar is like Christina Aguilera telling Kelly Osbourne she should drop a few pounds. Both sides have shown themselves capable stretchers of the truth. The difference? On Wednesday night, Romney was better at it. And incidentally, while we’re on the subject of spin, anyone who considers MSNBC to be practicing actual, serious journalism should not be allowed to handle scissors or any other pointy objects. After channel-surfing during both political conventions and Wednesday’s debate, I can categorically state that MSNBC actually manages to make those clowns at Fox News look like the reincarnation of Edward R. Murrow. So then, what happened on Wednesday? How did Mitt Romney go from zero to hero in the space of one night? I’m not trying to freak anybody out here, but I’ll tell you exactly how it happened. On Sunday, a bunch of Mormons decided to fast and pray for their candidate to do well in the presidential debate — and the rest of us had a good laugh, and thought it was quaint, or silly, or just plain creepy. Well, who’s laughing now? Because three days later, Mitt Romney inexplicably arose from the dead and proceeded to trounce President Obama in the debate. Coincidence? Possibly. But I’m not taking any chances. So just to be safe, I’m wondering if all of you who helped out Romney in the debate would be willing to skip a few meals again this week. For me. See, I’m planning a trip to Vegas, and surely you good people do not want to see those evil casinos win, do you? I’m not asking you to ask God to make me win money or anything. I’m just asking you to petition Him to give me the wisdom of Kenny Rogers — you know, to be able to ascertain when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. What? Does this request seem a bit sacrilegious? As opposed to ... say ... asking God to rig a political race? I always thought the Almighty didn’t get involved in the outcomes of sporting events, awards ceremonies, spelling bees, wars or political campaigns. I just figured, with him being the God of everyone and all, that he had to maintain neutrality in such matters. Because, hey, what if He happens to have children He loves on both sides of a contest? What then? Are we really going to make God pick a favorite child? Personally, I wouldn’t fast and pray for a specific political candidate. Still, many Mormons did, and three days later — to everyone’s surprise — that candidate arose from his political deathbed. Of course, even if Mitt Romney somehow manages to win the presidency, he’s still going to have to deal with Congress. Which means his fasting/praying buddies better have at least one more miracle up their sleeve — a miracle far more difficult than merely raising the dead. Giving sight to the blind.

President Thomas S. Monson

“It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future—or even fearful of what might come—if we allow ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives. Today, however, I’d like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles around us and to focus instead on our blessings as members of the Church. The Apostle Paul declared, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” “None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges—and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes, After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” “How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.” “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in the world that can defeat us.” “My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.” “I declare that God lives and that He hears and answers our prayers. His Son, Jeus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer. Heaven’s blessings await us. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” (“Be of Good Cheer,” Ensign, May 2009, pp. 89-92).

President Gordon B. Hinckley

“I do not know what we did in the preexistence to merit the wonderful blessings we enjoy. We have come to earth in this great season in the long history of mankind. It is a marvelous age, the best of all. As we reflect on the plodding course of mankind, from the time of our first parents, we cannot help feel grateful.” (“Living in the Fulness of Times,” Ensign, November 2001, p. 4).

Publisher's Note

I will be back soon with lots of inspiring quotes! This summer has been a happy one for me.

Thomas S. Monson

“Along your pathway of life you will observe that you are not the only traveler. There are others who need your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save.” ― Thomas S. Monson

Author Unknown

"A kiss is never a bad kiss unless it is an unwanted kiss."

Spencer W. Kimball

"Yes the devil is decidedly a person. He is also clever and trained. With thousands of years of experience behind him he has become superbly efficient and increasingly determined... In fact even more experienced adults cannot afford to be sure of their resistence to Satan."--Spencer W. Kimball

Ben Behunin

"I have learned that His well is always full, but we must decide if we will drink, if we will fill our lamps and our vessels with the goodness He offers us. In recent years I have recognized that our world is filled with counterfeits that offer some semblance of truth, but in reality, lead many of us down dark and crooked paths. The light of God's love beckons us all to return. There is hope in the light of His love. There is safty. There is peace. The oil He offers us will burn bright, giving light to our path until the perfect day."--Ben Behunin

Ben Behunin

"Joy in all its glory can only be obtained through unselfishness."--Ben Behunin

John Keats

"Don't be discouraged by failure. It can be a positive experience. Failure is, in a sense, the highway to success. inasmuch as every discovery of what is false leads us to seek earnestly after what is true, and every fresh experience points out some form of error which we shall afterwards carefully avoid." --John Keats

Ben Behunin

Happiness is the result of deciding to be happy."--Ben Behunin

Ben Behunin

Ok so I haven't been blogging lately. There is a reason! I have been READING! As a result, I have a few new favorite quotes to add to my blog! Lucky you! I don't know if you've heard of the book "Remembering Issac" by Ben Behunin or not, but if you haven't, you're missing out! Actually, it's not just one book--it's a series of THREE BOOKS! I told you that you were missing out! I have learned so much. The next few posts will reflect the things I have learned. I will just be adding the quotes, not commentating. I believe that is what a journal is for. The things I have learned, and the things you will learn, will be different and personal. Enjoy! "Too much planning eliminates the potential for magic to happen."--Ben Behunin

Gordon B. Hinckley

It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. … If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." - Gordon B. Hinckley.