Gratitude

I stopped doing dishes so I could come write this blog. For all of you who have a dishwasher, BE GRATEFUL. I am grateful for running water inside my house so I don't have to go outside in the freezing cold to get water. That said, I'm definitely, hands-down, no questions asked, amen and hallalujah, nuff said, getting a dishwasher when we are finished with law school. Or, I might consider moving to an enchanted castle where the dishes can sing, they can dance, after all this is France, and most importantly they wash themselves.

So, I'm pretty excited and I'll tell you why

The UPS guy came.

Why would I get so excited about the guy in brown, you ask? Well, he brought me my DDR substitute.

I always imagined my dark, too-freezing-cold-to-exercise-outside-unless-you-want-to-get-on-a-lung-transplant-waiting-list days in Minnesota filled with the joyous vibrations of DDR - Dance Dance Revolution. But, as I would have to buy a game system (perferably a Wii), a t.v., the game and a dance pad, alas, my budget told me it was not to be (graduate student loan payments being what they are and the popular ranks of unemployment being what they are, well, nuff said).

Then I found Dance Praise, a Christian version of DDR. The actual game is very similiar to DDR, except it runs off my lap top, thus, eliminating the need to buy a t.v. and a game system. I got the CD-ROM and the dance pad for $50 plus $10 for shipping. YES!!!

It doesn't have the same great songs as DDR, of course, but the Christian songs have positive messages. Also, the hard level seems easier than DDR's hard level, so I hope it will give me a challenge. But for only $50, I'm pretty excited. Oh, and for you VeggieTales lovers, there is a VeggieTales version of DDR, so kids (and kids at heart) can dance to Silly Songs with Larry to their hearts' content.

So, if any one wants to party, come on over and we'll DDR like there's no tomorrow.

Prop 8 - Why such bitter accusations of religion? Let's think about logic and doctrine

The Logic

I have a read a few bitter articles of the response from the passage of Prop 8 (and others in Arizona and Florida) that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Opposers of Prop 8 criticize religion, churches and their members of being bigoted and anti-Christian because they take a stand to support marriage as defined by God. Opposers see support of marriage as discriminatory and hateful, which is just not true. Churches have nothing to gain from the world by speaking out for what they believe is right and true regarding the sanctity of marriage.

Does it make churches more popular? N0.
Do they receive any praise from the media or even the public, who they strive to serve? NO.
Did they receive anything but attacks for encouraging people to support Prop 8? NO.

So, why is this whole issue of homosexuality and same-gender marriage important to churches?

Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the quorum of the twelve apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, "This is much bigger than just a question of whether or not society should be more tolerant of the homosexual lifestyle. Over past years we have seen unrelenting pressure from advocates of that lifestyle to accept as normal what is not normal, and to characterize those who disagree as narrow-minded, bigoted and unreasonable. Such advocates are quick to demand freedom of speech and thought for themselves, but equally quick to criticize those with a different view and, if possible, to silence them by applying labels like “homophobic.” In at least one country where homosexual activists have won major concessions, we have even seen a church pastor threatened with prison for preaching from the pulpit that homosexual behavior is sinful. Given these trends, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must take a stand on doctrine and principle. This is more than a social issue — ultimately it may be a test of our most basic religious freedoms to teach what we know our Father in Heaven wants us to teach." http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction

Another official statement from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

"Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches." http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-votes

This issue tares at the heart of any Christian who genuinely loves people regardless of their choice to engage in homosexual activity. Christians don't want to have to choose between what God says will bring us true happiness (aka the commandments) and what is a genuine concern for many people with homosexual tendencies. But, when faced with the choice to protect the sanctity of marriage, the freedom of religion and the best interests of children, families and communities, we have to do what is right, not what is popular.


The Doctrine

Even many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have spokenly harshly against church leaders for encouraging its members to support Prop 8. Do members not understand or believe what they say they believe. I raised my hand to sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as "prophets, seers and revelators." While they aren't perfect as individuals, these men are called of God. They are seers - or see-ers. I don't believe any church leaders of any denomination make decisions like this lightly, particularly one of such magnitude as actively supporting Prop 8. But, our faith goes beyond believing that our leaders engage in deliberation and prayer. I believe that with such deliberation and prayer, our Heavenly Father gives them the gift of sight. They see things we don't see.

I don't want my faith thrown back in my face with terms like "blind obedience." My faith gives me the sight I need to be obedient. And by that obedience, I gain additional sight.

The adversary's PR tactics will never change truth.

"The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done" Joseph Smith
http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-401-8,00.html

Did you get a sticker? I wish I could get two.

I finally live in a place where my vote counts for something, where it is actually one of thousands (rather than millions) that could make a difference of which presidential candidate gets Minnesota's electoral votes. So, it was my privilege as an American citizen to cast a ballot.

This was one of the hardest voting decisions I've made. I only wish I could have voted for a candidate I actually wanted to vote for and who had a chance at winning.

I'm pretty sure Obama is going to win. I think he will be good for the nation - a uniter. I just hope that a democrat president with a democrat-majority congress doesn't wreak havoc on our national debt with inefficient government spending or appoint judges who will add to our already mildewy national moral conscience. And, I hope that the billions he will approve will actually improve education, environment, quality of life and world peace.

We wanted change. I hope we can accept responsibility for it.

GOD BLESS AMERICA! We don't deserve His blessing, but we sure need it.

PS. Fill up today. Pedro has a theory that gas prices drop right before the election and that they will go up again after it's over.

$2.17 - No lie!

I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch break today. I treated myself to a chicken pecan salad sandwich from Arby's (highly recommend). I ate in my car with the windows rolled down (remember I'm in Minnesota) and felt a nice breeze as I read the Book of Mormon (also highly recommend). And, I filled up the gas tank at $2.17 a gallon - no joke. This is very exciting because it means that just maybe, maybe, maybe airfare will go down ever so slightly or, if it doesn't, it won't be too horrible for Pedro and I to drive back to Utah for Christmas. Pray the roads aren't too bad.

Another reason I enjoy my lunch break is that I actually have one (rather than an all-day break). I've been doing temp work at different companies around the St. Paul area for the past month. I've loved meeting people and making new friends. This week at Nexstar, I've met some great people. They are so NICE! The sad thing about making new friends at work as a temp is that tomorrow I have to say goodbye. I am a big fan of email and facebook. It helps me stay at least somewhat connected to all my favorite people.

Our Little Greenies

We like plants. Lots of plants.

My Tuesday Morning Run

Tuesday morning means a 7 a.m. institute class, Parables of Christ, and a run along the Mississippi River. Here's what you might see if you were me. And, fyi, I ran in the cold rain last week, which is big for me because my sensitive ears don't do well in wind or cold. So, usually, if it's too cold, I stay inside and do yoga. I salute all you brave, diligent souls who run regardless the weather conditions. But, if you are like me, unless the morning looks like these pictures, I highly recommend http://www.yogatoday.com/ for an indoor workout.

Mall of America - This one is for my Grandma

One evening Pedro and I got slightly lost as we tried to navigate the highways of the Twin Cities area while looking for a green house (we like to visit nurseries and see the plant variety). We found ourselves near Bloomington and decided to check out the Mall of America, a destination which is on the top of many lists of people who find themselves near Minneapolis.

This place is enormous! It has way too many stores for the good of consumer debt. Pedro and I aren't big mall shoppers; we'd prefer a day in the mountains. But, it was neat to see some of the themes the restaurants use to attract slightly hungry shoppers: rainforests, Forest Gump, classic 50's look, etc.

Our favorite part of the mall was Lego Land. The giant lego displays were incredible! They have a big place for kids (big and small) to build whatever they want with legos.

For anyone who comes to visit us, we'll give you a tour if you'd like.