I Hate Lifetime Politicians

I Hate Lifetime Politicians

Yes, I said hate.

I don't mean that I hate politicians as people—though I do think several of them are some of the worst people on earth. I hate the concept and current reality of lifetime politicians.

The GOP has been crying for term limits for years, but that's becoming more and more hollow with every instance of opportunism and "political expedience."

The problem is that term limits are only a part of the greater solution. However, they are possibly the best way to bring the current political system in check. The only way term limits for politicians will ever come to pass is if "We the people" force it upon them. Here's how I see it happening:

1. Purposefully and deliberately electing new officials every few years.
2. Restructuring how we bring worthy candidates to the forefront (fundraising, motivation for office, etc.).
3. Instituting a 6 year limit for ALL politicians.
   • Senators and the President get ONE 6-year term ONLY.
     • Senate elections happen every 2 years for 1/3 of the senate.
     • The President will see almost complete legislative turnover during his presidency, forcing a more expedient decision-making process and (hopefully) avoiding some, if not most, of the in-fighting and political posturing that wastes so much time and money.
     • No time wasted on campaigning for reelection.
     • No pressure for politicians to prove their worth by the number of bills they write, but rather are incented to make the best decisions possible because they'll be joining the ranks of "regular citizens" with "normal jobs" in just a few short years.
   • House representatives continue with 2-year terms and a new maximum of 3 terms (6 years) total.
   • The same limits should be levied to all state and local officials as well.
   • No elected official should be allowed to run for any other public office at the same level of government within which they've already served (ex, no house to senate moves), and may only serve once in each level of government ever (city/state/nation).
4. Restructure the appointment of Supreme Court Justices, including:
   • Implementing 12-year service limits
   • Allowing for a special vote of approval/disapproval by the American people after the Presidential appointment, vetting, and Senate confirmation (this needs more thinking through, but I like how it sounds so far...).

I could delve into all the different reasons I think things are all messed up in politics, but as my co-worker and friend so aptly put it in a recent conversation we had on this subject, there's only so much that problem analysis and hypothesizing can do for you. Sometimes the best solution is simply DOING something, even if the particular solution hasn't been fully run through the gamut of mathematical models and detailed vetting by all opinions and angles.

I guess Nike was really onto something. Just Do It.

What are you afraid of?

What are you afraid of?

I'm a firm believer that the vast majority of people (minus verified, clinical phobics) aren't so much afraid of things that could happen to them, or even to those they love. What people are really afraid of is truth — not just some truth or someone else' version of the truth, but all truth, even when the truth is just in the eye of the beholder.

Why?

Because really wanting and accepting truth means constantly having to challenge your beliefs — or at least be willing to challenge them — including beliefs about life, God, politics, and (most importantly) SELF. This ultimately results in cognitive dissonance = a state of consciousness that is so strong and all-encompassing that it forces you into one of two choices:

1) Accept the new truth (hard to do) and change your behaviors to align with the newly accepted truth (harder still).
2) Reject the new truth in favor of previous perceptions of truth — or more correctly because modifying behavior is too difficult or painful — which actually causes a subconscious modification of beliefs and/or behaviors anyway.

• Rejection requires renewed reconciliation with and reinforcement of existing beliefs (typically done subconsciously or mostly subconsciously) so as to drown out any leftover dissonance with the new truth (ex: drugs aren't that bad, global warming really is crap, etc.).
• This idea reinforcement in turn leads to behavioral reinforcement, realized in the deepening of associated behavior patterns (ex: increased drug use, increased activity or affiliation with a political party or ideology, etc.) and/or assimilation of additional behaviors and activities that support the belief (ex: signing a petition, joining a movement, seeking out like-minded friends, etc.); or by ignoring, shunning, or actively fighting against the new truth.

Why then wouldn't I say that people actually fear change?

Because change is just the requirement or end-product of truth, and this because truth is a principle of agency. Sure, someone may say they want to know the truth, but deep down they don't really want to have anything to do with it. They fear the consequences of truth — which is why there are so many counterfeit truths being spun every day, each attempting to confuse, frustrate, pacify, or blind us.

So, the question now is What are you afraid of?

Switched Back to Blogger/Blogspot

Switched Back to Blogger/Blogspot

So my domain renewal came up this year, and the price was five times more than what I paid for it originally. Ripoff...

So I'm back on Blogger and proud of it. Here's to free hosting and domains!

The Blog Is Not Dead!

The Blog Is Not Dead!

I should call this blog post One Great Whole in the Time Line for all the months I've been silent. It's probably typical. Blogging is great when you first start, and then it loses its luster after life reminds you just how little time you had in the first place. Add to that my complete and utter laziness, and the deal is sealed. Well, this is my attempt at reconciliation.

I look at this blog title now after so many months away and realize just how precocious I've been. Assuming that somehow my perspective on life is going to showcase the glorious truths of the universe is down-right cocky and self-righteous (if I do say so myself). What I mean is that I'm feeling quite a bit different about things now, and a little humble pie has helped me put perspective into perspective (is that even possible?).

So, what I intend moving forward is to make this blog a place for my ideas and possibilities, rather than creating assumptive authority on anything within my poorly contrived gospel perspective. In other words, note to self: keep it simple, keep it real, keep it humble.

Practice, Exercise, Sacrifice, and Abundance

Practice, Exercise, Sacrifice, and Abundance

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 16:25)

"I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—
"I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants." (Mosiah 2:20-21)

There are countless other verses like these in the scriptures, all pointing to the completeness of what the Lord asks of each of us. The sheer magnitude of these verses is overwhelming. Couple that with our inherent laziness, and you've got yourself enough guilt ammunition to last a thousand lifetimes.

I've looked at these verses dozens of times, each time wondering how I could ever come to do what is asked. My own nature leans me toward absolutism, forcing my mind into a destructive all-or-nothing mentality. I can tell you that nothing could be more detrimental to doing what is asked of us.

I woke up the other morning like I do most mornings, fighting myself over whether I would go to the gym or not. I lay in bed weighing the pros and cons, and the cons were looking to take yet another easy victory. I thought to myself that just a little more sleep at nights would make the difference I needed to get the energy to go and exercise in the morning. Such thinking has been my crutch for a while, and living with a wife that has been transforming me into a night owl like herself, I find it easier and easier to justify my not exercising in the mornings like I need to.

But I couldn't shake the question of how I was ever going to break the cycle. I'm in a daily energy decline, with the only end to this drought being my eventual and early death. Yeah, real positive stuff.

And then it dawned on me.

There are some pretty basic and eternal principles at play that reach across matter, time, and space. In physics, chemistry, and biology, it takes energy to make energy. Cellular respiration burns energy to make more energy. The tearing of muscle fibers makes more muscle. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. Etc, etc.

OK, I know that is pretty much a no-brainer, but it was interesting to have that hit me the way it did. If I wanted energy I needed to spend energy, and I needed to do so wisely. I've been in this position before—under-active and under-motivated—and then gone gung-ho, overstepped my limits (severely), and ended up more sore and wasted than before. Typically that leads to my swearing off physical activity for even more extended periods of time, thus deepening the vicious cycle.

As I got out of bed to go to the gym, I kept pondering on this principle of spending energy to gain energy. I was reminded of the spiritual doctrines and principles that go along with it. The nice thing about truth is that it usually pops up in more than one place. I thought on the parable of the talents and how the wise and profitable servants went and increased their talents by using them, while the unprofitable servant buried his; and in doing so had it taken away and given to the servant with 10 talents.

I've always found that part of the story interesting. Why did that servant get the extra talent? Why didn't the man just give it to a different servant and give him the chance to prove himself?

The answer is based in the principle of abundance. "…unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him." (Luke 19:26)

The Lord gives more unto those that have proven themselves worthy, not because he loves them more than the unprofitable servant. He gives more abundantly to those that generously impart of all their gifts and substance than to those that fearfully or selfishly cling to that which they have and impart not thereof. That is a key principle.

I also thought about the doctrines of sacrifice, obedience, and consecration and their direct tie with these principles. Energy, talents, and abundance do not come easily, nor are they meant to come immediately upon asking or doing. Each is meant to take time, even lifetimes to achieve. But that is the point. If bodybuilding was easy it wouldn't be valued. If faith, hope, and charity were easy we wouldn't be commanded at every turn to cultivate them.

Just as it takes years of practice to become great, or in some cases even just good, at some sports, it takes years of practice and doing to become good at being a disciple of Christ. Also, just as we aren't able or expected to become great at all things (we can't all be Michael Jordan, Pele, or Picasso), we aren't expected to become perfect in all gospel principles in this life. But, we are expected to try.

Just as diversity of activity, study, and interests are important to balance and well roundedness, so is diversity essential to gospel living. Each of us has been given specific talents and gifts, and those we have the unique opportunity to hone and perfect. But a one or two note song doesn't compare to the beauty of a full symphony. Just as our own lives are meant to become a symphony of characteristics and abilities, so is the Church meant to become the greatest synthesis of symphonic harmonies under heaven where all come and contribute of their gifts and special talents.

I could go on more, but I believe that this is more than sufficient to relay what I was pondering the other morning. What it has done for me is provided me with a much needed improvement in perspective. I now look at growing in the gospel, and in lots of other things, as a long-term commitment to becoming more than I could have ever hoped otherwise. I look forward to the process now almost as much as I do the end result. That, in and of itself, is a great accomplishment for me.

My Every Reason

My Every Reason

I've sat here at my computer for the past half hour trying to come up with an eloquent way to tell my beautiful Kristen just how much I love her – and I'm literally at a loss for words.

For those of you that know me at all, that almost never happens. You may now stop snickering… that means you Jenny.

All joking aside, I want to tell you, Krissy, that I love you more than life itself. You mean everything to me. You're every love song, every beautiful poem, every smile, every happiness, every reason for living that I have.

I've got a lot to overcome to be worthy of you. I know that day is coming much sooner because of you.

You have made 2008 the most amazing year of my life. I only hope to make 2009 just as good for you. I love you!

The Greatest Gift

The Greatest Gift

I wish that it wasn't almost midnight so I could spend the kind of time on this topic that I want, but I just couldn't go any longer without getting this out there.

I've always known that the greatest thing to ever exist is Jesus Christ. His birth, life, atonement, death, and resurrection are just a microscopic blip of time in the grand scheme of things, but they are the crux of everything that is good in this world. I definitely stand "all amazed at the love Jesus offers me."

And yet, as I sit pondering on my experiences during the past few weeks and months, I find myself feeling more blessed than before. I know that it is because of my Savior, but that hasn't stopped me from wondering what about these feelings and experiences is so different—so all-encompassing.

When contemplating the majesty that is Christ Jesus, it's hard to pinpoint just one gift or blessing as being the ultimate or sine qua non of His life and doings. The knee jerk response is typically The Atonement, as well it probably should be – for without which we would be lost forever.

But as I've been thinking about the atonement and what makes it so special, I've settled on one key gift that stands out to me like a desert oasis. The Savior himself said it best, and so I quote His words as found in the Gospel of John:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

And again to Oliver Cowdery, "Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?" (D&C 6:23)

Peace is everything. It is what this world lacks. It is what comes to the mind and heart of an individual who truly repents and learns their status with God. It is the sweetest fruit of the atonement. Knowing that we will not only live with God again in glory and love, but that we can have joy and love now because of the atonement brings a peace that cannot be described.

Peace is what is first to leave us when we sin. Peace is the most treasured of gifts because it is the one thing that cannot be obtained by our works alone, but is a product of our faith and the grace of God. That is why it is possible to have even in times when all around us is chaos.

I know that I am doing all I can with what I have when I am blessed with peace. That is a gift that I've been missing far too often in recent years, and one that I'm so thankful to be experiencing again right now.

Kids These Days

Kids These Days

I gotta say that I was scared by, and yet sadly identified with the article I just read on teens and honesty. It looks as though good old-fashioned integrity is going the way of the dinosaur.

If corporate executives are already comfortable cooking the books and tanking their companies just so they can max out their personal bonuses, what are the kids of the future going to stoop to?

Random

Random

This post is not in character with my typical style, but I was thoroughly taken aback by something yesterday and need to blog about it.

I've been a victim of a random act of the unexpected—the painfully unexpected. Let me put this into perspective…

When you repeat something over and over again and get the same result every time, it seems logical that you could expect that pattern to continue without interruption. For me, that expectation was with my microwave. I put in a mug of water, I push the button for the exact amount of time I always do, and I get out a perfectly warmed mug of water ready for hot chocolate.

Though there are a couple of variables that could adversely affect the expected outcome (initial water temperature, type of mug, etc), once these variables have been accounted for, the outcome should be a no-brainer—especially when the EXACT procedure was performed just hours earlier.

Not so, apparently.

So, I go and get my mug, my water, set the time, and start the microwave with the anticipation of enjoying a delicious mint chocolate beverage. The microwave magically warms the water over a period of a minute or so, and then beeps its customary beep to alert me that I'm just seconds away from liquid chocolate bliss. That's when things went terribly wrong.

I nonchalantly reached in, wrapped my index finger around the mug handle, and milliseconds later jerked my already blistering finger away from the mug in a yelp of pain. The thought of cursing briefly crossed my mind, but was instantly replaced by throbbing pain.

I ran my fingers under cool water for quite some time, all-the-while wondering what had just happened. I've touched hot mugs before, but never a hot mug handle. I can guarantee that none were ever as overwhelmingly hot as this one. It was like I had wrapped my finger around the heating element of my oven. I've got the blisters to prove it!

What did happen? Was my microwave malfunctioning? Was the mug somehow harboring ill will against me? Was there some previously undiscovered metal in the mug that never manifested itself? WHAT?

I know, this is not that big a deal, but I got burned and I didn't deserve it!

There, I've said my piece. If anyone has a good explanation for what happened, I've got a finger that is looking for answers (and retribution…).

I've Been Tagged (Seriously)

I've Been Tagged (Seriously)

So, of all the people who could have tagged me (my wife, Jenny, ...) I got tagged by an old co-worker and friend, Jonathan. So, as is part of this tag, here are 6 weird and random things about me.

The rules are:

* Link to the person who tagged you
* Post the rules on your blog
* Write six random things/unspectacular quirks about yourself
* Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
* Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog
* Let the tagger know when your entry is posted

6 Weird things about myself, in no particular order:

1. I am a huge fan of the Twilight series (yes, I said Twilight!)
2. I'm a total metrosexual
3. I never thought I would turn out to be such a computer geek (though I was already a huge "regular" geek to begin with)
4. I wanted to be Michael Jackson growing up, that is until I realized that he was a complete freak show and perv. I've really questioned my ability to pick role models since that time...
5. I love exotic and strange foods
6. I'm a salt-aholic, among others


Tag! You're it....

Kristen
Jenny
Angel
Chris
Jason
Kendra

Being Right: The Real American Way

Being Right: The Real American Way

I have had a bit of a change of heart since last Tuesday's landslide election, at least regarding my post entitled Prophetic Guidance for Our Uncertain Times. In fact, I feel rather sheepish that I would condescend to post something so incendiary without fully familiarizing myself with the totality of what it really means. That exact behavior is what I find irresponsible of others, and I try to avoid it as often as possible. So much for practicing what I preach.

There are a few glaring problems in what then Elder Ezra T. Benson said that I was all too eager to either ignore or forgive because of who he became. I was given understanding by an anonymous blogger that shared this link with me: http://thefaithfuldissident.blogspot.com/2008/10/ezra-taft-benson-vs-democratic.html.

If you have the time to read through that post I recommend doing so, if for no other reason than to keep your mind and intentions open and honest. Humility is already difficult to come by in our prideful society, but intellectual humility is almost nonexistent. The American way, or almost anyone else's way in this world for that matter, is being right and doing all within our power to assert that rightness. What dangerous and petty grounds we defend when we impose our ideas and ideals on others!

To sum this up, I still have my convictions that a conservative, limited-role government is the best way to maintain our hard-fought freedoms. I still have my reservations about what Pres. Obama will/won't do during the next 4 years. But I refuse to be a part of the bandwagon of president bashing that has destroyed our country's morale, divided our resolve, and tarnished the legacy of courage and service that George Bush has tried to build during his tenure—and which bashing is already being hurled at President Elect Obama, and he hasn't even done anything yet!

Do I fundamentally disagree with many leftist policies? YES. Will I do my part to make sure my voice is heard when I agree/disagree with certain legislation? YES. Will I support our president as he tries to lead this country as he feels is best? YES. If any of you doubt my reasons for doing so, I simply ask you to take a look at the 12th Article of Faith. Until the Lord reigns on earth, this is my duty.

A Big, Yet Scary, Duh

A Big, Yet Scary, Duh

Study: Sex on TV linked to teen pregnancies

I have to post this link because I am both smugly amused that popular news has condescended to post this story, as well as privately embarrassed that Kristen and I are both consumers of one of the sitcoms mentioned (Friends).

Kristen, I think it's time that we re-evaluate our TV viewing habits.

Prophetic Guidance for Our Uncertain Times

Prophetic Guidance for Our Uncertain Times

There are times when I forget just how true the Church is, and just how inspired our prophets are. I thank God for reminders like the one I just received, and which I quote below.

I came across this link on Facebook that one of my friends shared. I quote below from The Dimmick's blog, with a link to the original article.

"This talk was given by Ezra Taft Benson in 1977. Then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles then later becoming Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he warns us of socialism sneaking into our government. He warns about redistribution of wealth and socializing health care. He warns that “they pull down what is above and they never raise what is below.” “You are not here to be a parasite or a freeloader. The price you pay for something for nothing may be more than you can afford.” It is broken up into two parts."

Part 1 of 2



Part 2 of 2



"The full text of this speech can be found here."

http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=6162 starting at the sub-title “Socialism–a Philosophy Incompatible with Man’s Liberty”.

As a Little Child

As a Little Child

Some things are true. Others are undeniable.

I have been blessed today in several instances to see, hear, feel, and participate in the wonder that is the pure love and spirit of children. From the beautiful primary program our ward put on today, to the powerful spirit of a special boy on Extreme Makeover, Home Edition, to the love and laughter of my own amazing children, I have been deeply touched. It is this wonder that prompted the Master to exclaim, "…whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God."

I found that when I'm around these wonderful children that I am my best self, and I want to be a better person for them. There is just something amazing about the promise that is in each of their eyes and the innocence and love they express in their being.

I would be a fool if I didn't thank my beautiful wife Kristen for her love and sacrifice to bring our two beautiful, wonderful kids into this world. She is my hope, and my guiding light through personal wildernesses. I love you. Thank you for giving me joy beyond words.

Priorities: The True Measure of Devotion

Priorities: The True Measure of Devotion

Lately I've been compelled to take a hard look at my priorities. That statement alone is a dead giveaway that they were/are out of whack. Yet another example of my continued hypocrisy and duplicitous lifestyle.

I have slowly been gathering my thoughts about where my priorities are and why, along with how well they match up with what I know in my heart to be right. Actually, comparing the two hasn't been the slow part. I know where I stand. It's coming to grips with just how much I need to change that is taking time. The adage that you can't teach an old dog new tricks is much more applicable than I expected it to be, and I'm not even in my 30s yet!

Although, I bet that if I could at least do what I was told then my wife would be a much happier person. I'm basically an obedience school drop out.

Anyway, the heart of what I'm getting at has actually been repeated to me several times today in various forms. I take that as being the Lord's way of saying, "I'd use a 2x4 if I could, so take the hint!" This frequent theme can be found first in Exodus 20, and then repeated throughout scripture and modern revelation. It is the first and great commandment God gave to Moses, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3)

The living Christ reiterated and magnified this commandment when he said,

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

"And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)

As I've pondered over these verses and the various repetitions thereof today, I've recognized that one of the most prominent indicators of true love is devotion. This is definitely the case when considering what loving God entails, especially as the qualifiers of "all thy heart… soul… mind… and [] strength," are concerned.

True devotion requires the careful arranging of priorities so that the kind of time and service inherent in fulfilling the definition of devotion can be met.

The sad truth for me is that I can only say that I show true devotion to one person – yours truly. My priorities give me away in embarrassing fashion. And I'm not just saying this because I'm trying to appear humble or modest. Kristen would be able to confirm the antithesis of both qualities to be my most common traits.

I'm confident that none of the principles I've covered in this post are new to anyone. They just feel new to me because I'm seeing myself through a new perspective. I am in definite need of deciding now who it is that I'm going to be devoted to, and then making the needed adjustments.

Kristen, I'm beginning to understand now what you've been asking for for so long now. I only hope to be able to give you what you deserve in time. I know Heavenly Father is waiting for the same from me too.

A Living Prophet

A Living Prophet

Like many of you, I am profoundly aware of the precariousness of our country's economic situation. Things are not going well, and with more (and worse) financial failures upon us than during the Great Depression we are faced with great risk and constant uncertainty.

As I read through more of the news about our world economy, I was reminded of an article written by President Gordon B. Hinckley titled "The Times in Which We Live," published in the January issue of the 2002 Ensign. I remember reading his words heavily laden with the weight of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I remember hearing them during different conference addresses.

Most specifically I remember these words:

"I do not know what the future holds. I do not wish to sound negative, but I wish to remind you of the warnings of scripture and the teachings of the prophets which we have had constantly before us.

"I cannot forget the great lesson of Pharaoh’s dream of the fat and lean kine and of the full and withered stalks of corn."

As I reflected back on these words and many others in that article, I recognized my own complacency and deep need for change. I had my testimony of the need for a living prophet strengthened. I felt the power of eternal truth.

"[I] thank thee, O God, for a prophet," for without whom I would be in the darkest abyss. I'm already in need of rescue from my own selfish chasm as it is, let alone be left without the light of the restored gospel.

Big Changes... Well, Sort Of

Big Changes... Well, Sort Of

Nobody panic! You are, in fact, still reading my blog that was previously found at www.onegreatwhole.blogspot.com. I've simply made some fancy-schmancy (not really) changes to it that now allow me to post my blog to the URL I initially intended. It's nice having a Blogspot URL and all, but I like keeping things as simple as possible.

So, now I've got a little more updating to do. As you can see, I've switched back to a basic template to better be able to publish content, and I've lost a few of the features I used to have. No worries, I'll be updating this soon with a new look and feel just as soon as I get the time chance (don't hold your breath).

Thanks for reading, stay tuned, and don't freak out if things decide to change yet again. j/k

You Know Something Matters When...

You Know Something Matters When...

I admit that I'm not a very religious blogger, as is evidenced by my sporadic posts and almost non-existent readership (excluding my few and faithful friends – thanks guys!).

So, I find it almost comical when, after several consecutive posts of nearly no traffic at all, I get 6 comments on my latest post within a matter of a day or two. And by comical, I mean mind boggling.

For any of you that are still gasping for air as you recover from laughing at my astonishment over 6 comments, I hope you all pass out. (devilish laugh…)

What this all means to me is that if I want my popularity on the web to grow I should keep writing more polarizing posts (j/k).

In many ways I am beginning to feel like my good friend Jeff V., who so effectively summed things up with, "I [] am just so sick of politics." This is a growing feeling among many, and yet I'm concerned that such frustration is less a result of people not caring about the political landscape anymore and more a result of not knowing how to make a real difference.

Granted, you can follow the advice of our current presidential candidates and get involved in local government, volunteer in your community, and other related activities to try and influence politics. But I believe the real issue is not just our lack of involvement, but a feeling of helplessness at being able to reverse the last 50 years of post WWII policy and politics. Since I'm already going way beyond my initial intentions of this blog to stay as clear as possible from politics, I won't spend the time needed to outline my thoughts on WWII politics. (I know, such a sad loss…)

I do appreciate a discussion I had with Chris Rock after reading his comment on my previous post. We talked about how the differences of belief each of us hold about people, government, social issues, and everything else in between is what has given rise to a fairly polarized political atmosphere. My comment on how Hollywood's perceived endorsement of Sen. Obama should make you want to run in the opposite direction is a direct reflection of these differences.

I do not question Mr. Obama's morals, personal character, or ability to lead the country as a result of Hollywood endorsements. What I run from are the general ideals and values that are held by the extreme left, to which Sen. Obama's voting record will attest he belongs. That is what I believe Hollywood and the liberal media are endorsing. That is what I dislike based upon my personal value systems and beliefs about people and the roles of government. That is not to say that I'm proportionally enamored with the doctrines of the right, just that I personally identify better with more of them than the left.

If for nothing else, I would rather put a cranky, old, creepy Bush wannabe in the White House because of the type of people he would appoint to the Supreme Court. The only way John McCain could convince me to vote otherwise is if his yet-to-be-revealed policies are a disastrous step in the wrong direction.

And that's all folks. My politicking is done. (You can all shout for joy now, it will only hurt my feelings a little bit.) :)

What To Do When Hollywood Endorses a Political Candidate

What To Do When Hollywood Endorses a Political Candidate

It's simple really.

VOTE FOR THE OTHER GUY!

You may not be McCain fans, and I know that I'm not, but I just happened to watch a small part of Russell Brand's monologue opening the 2008 VMAs (I know, what was I thinking), and I was appalled. I won't even give a link to it because of how crass and crude it was. I'm embarrassed to have watched a small part of it. Then to have him endorse Barack Obama for president to cheers of ecstasy was about all I could take.

I'm not saying that a vote for Obama is a vote for evil or something melodramatic like that. I'm just VERY concerned that he gets the heavy endorsement of the world's leading body of propagandized amorality (Hollywood). I seem to recall several scriptures that warn of such occurrences, each accompanied by the same admonition to choose the opposition to such endorsements.

Man I would love to see how Captain Moroni would have reacted to this stuff.

Curve Balls and Back Doors

Curve Balls and Back Doors

Heavenly Father has got to have one crazy sense of humor. It's either that, or I'm just a complete goon that has yet to wake up and smell the sulfur. One thing's for sure; I definitely like the spiritual climate a lot better when I'm not surrounded by pitch forks.

I do think that Father has plenty of good laughs because of us, or at least he does me. I don't mean that cynically or disrespectfully. I look at my kids and have to laugh at their persistence in failure—not because I'm completely mental, but because I know that they're going to figure things out soon enough. The last thing they need from me is constant butting in to try and fix things (even though that is what I usually do). They need love, instruction, patience, and a kind listening ear.

That is my "duh" moment for the day (or life time). All these years of wondering why none of my life plans have panned out in the ways that I had hoped was simply time wasted on self pity and fear. The reality is that Father has been silently rolling his eyes and waiting for me to get with the program. Thankfully his understanding of my needs is perfect. With every perceived curve ball life has thrown at me, he has opened up back doors to the blessings that were always there waiting for me as long as I remained faithful.

My problem has been the procrastination of being worthy enough to receive all these blessings, hence the need for more back doors. I just hope that I don't push my luck too far and turn heavenly chuckles at my idiocy into a valid lament for my soul. Definitely not something I want to merit, ever.

So, some of the really cool back doors that have opened up for me lately are what have caused me to wax sarcastic with myself and paint such a tongue-in-cheek picture of Heavenly Father's character. I quote Inigo from the Princess Bride when he said to Wesley, "Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up…"

First, my major sob story of the last 3+ years has finally (I know!) started its way to resolution. After receiving inspiration from a good old friend (thanks Levy) that got me thinking about my career options in a new light, I've seen why the Lord turned me from my initial courses of Psychology and teaching seminary to where I currently stand. And I've gained insight into what I can do incorporate my passions with my stewardships (provider, husband, father, etc) without having to have some magical right answer for everything. Sure the Lord cares about what I do, but in my case he wants me to stop setting limitations on what I will/can do and instead focus on the why, who, and how. Though I may have already figured that one out a while ago, I have a hard time applying what I know. Thankfully I have a new focus and determination that have me excited about the future and life's possibilities.

Second, on Saturday I had the distinct and immense pleasure of running into a wonderful old friend from my favorite mission city of Divinopolis, MG, Brazil. Ana Paula Evangelista and her family were some of the sweetest people that I had the pleasure of knowing on my mission. Unfortunately, like most everyone from my mission, I've been completely terrible at maintaining contact. As she called my name from behind me as I was going up the escalators at the Gateway Mall in SLC, I looked back and saw her standing at the bottom waving to me. I've never had the chance to run against an escalator before (it's kinda hard), but I didn't even hesitate to do so as I recognized her face. We embraced for the first time (missionaries can only shake girl's hands) and just laughed for joy. I seriously never thought that I would see her or her sisters again, not to mention ever get to hug them. It was perfect! Now I'm back in contact with all of them and can't wait to catch up with them and how life has treated them these past years. Such a sweet reunion and a most wonderful blessing from a loving Father.

The Lord really does move in mysterious ways. Be it a twist of fate, a chance meeting, a passing thought, or complete serendipity, miracle is still the only word that adequately describes it all.