The Fight for Freedom

The following post is probably not appropriate for children . . . 

There was a time when I felt the fire of freedom burning in my heart. I was young, I had dreams of a bright future full of hope, endless possibilities, and security for me and my family. It seemed like anything was possible. It felt like anything could be accomplished here in the beautiful country of America . . . because we were free. Dreams, oh I had dreams . . . because dreaming was still allowed. What is my dream now?

It is simple . . . I dream of freedom.

My family is free, because we have the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that trumps all other troubles of the world. We are free -- free from the world, if we allow ourselves to be. But with that Heavenly freedom we enjoy, we also have responsibility. We need to protect our freedom. We need to protect our freedom to practice our religion. We need to help protect all of our God-given freedoms.

Right now, the divine freedom we enjoy as American citizens is under attack.

The Constitution is on the chopping block . . . just as prophets have said it would be. Our rights as American citizens are being taken from us, and it seems we are helpless to do anything about it. We are seemingly forced into accepting all kinds of immoral ideas, and behaviors -- and if we don't accept it, embrace it, love it, we are found intolerant and hateful. There is so much going on right now, so much darkness trying to drown out the light -- that it could do just that, if you let it seep in too deep.

These times are indeed concerning. I am an avid news-follwer (on-line, we don't have TV). I check a wide range of news websites, so I can get as close to the full scope of what is going on, as is possible. (If only news channels would report NEWS, and not opinion!) I like to know what is going on in the world. I think it is important to know what is going on, but you also have to not over-do it, and let it trouble your heart too much, as to destroy your happiness. But being informed, yes, it is a very good thing.

We also listen to the radio while in the car. Charles and I just happened on a program here in Idaho that was playing a rally of people supporting gun rights. It was crazy to listen to the people, the American people, preaching and rallying against their government. There were cheers, and loud hollering, in support of the rights of the people. Citizens, and Civic leaders, saying this is NOT OK for the government to take away our rights and freedom. Citizens willing to fight back, if necessary. My heart fluttered as the people cheered. I felt the winds of change stirring.

I hate guns probably more than most people -- just ask anyone who knows me. They scare me, they really do. I have never in my life even held a gun -- but my kids have. Their father has taken them to a shooting range, to show them how to properly use them, and how to respect them. Daniel has learned how to shoot in Boy Scouts. (Oh man, don't get me started on what is going on with "diversity/acceptance" in Scouting right now. I will let you know what my opinion on the topic is as soon as the Church offers a statement. My opinion is: Whatever our church leaders declare. Yes. I am a follower. I follow the prophet. With eyes wide open.)

And though I personally hate guns, I absolutely -- with all my heart and guts -- support the right for people to bear arms. Absolutely. It is critical for the survival of our free nation. If our citizens are not armed, we are all sitting ducks. No, the government won't be there when you need protection. No, the police cannot arrive exactly when you need them. You have got to be able to defend yourself!

Just imagine if our Mormon pioneer ancestors did not have guns . . . our religion would have been quickly wiped out by the American government. Yes, the government tried to destroy my beloved faith.  They tried to exterminate the Mormons -- for their religion. Yes, in America. But they fought back! One (and likely many) of my ancestors used guns to fight off the mob that was coming to destroy the Mormons. They had to fight, to protect their lives, their liberty, their faith, their families, their freedom. Good thing they had the right to bear arms, and protect themselves. I am so grateful to those who were willing to sacrifice their lives to allow the gospel to move forward and be preserved.

Taking away our freedoms will not protect us. It will destroy us. As Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." We are sorely divided now. The country is a battleground of contrasting opinions. Progress is halted. People are angry. People are singing the songs of angry men.

Back to guns . . . if you take away guns/rights away from the "good" people, we all know that the "bad" people will still have them. Look to history. Guess what happened during prohibition? When alcohol was made illegal, the underground world of crime ran rampant, and alcohol consumption and horrific crimes went through the roof. The fact is people will find a way to get what they want . . . they will always find a way. Background checks, limitations, mental health checks, etc., will not stop any of it. Those who desire to do evil will steal, lie, cheat, whatever it takes to follow through with deviant plans. Taking away rights from good people will not make anyone more safe . . . despite what certain highly-protected by bodyguards with firearms leaders may declare.

Teachers are being educated and trained to use guns at school. The thought of having guns in the classroom makes my guts churn. It seems to me that it would only increase the chances for something awful happening. If I were a teacher, I would shudder at the thought of packing a gun at school. But these are real discussions going on. Our kids are being shown a video in school about gun safety, using a graphic example of two boys playing with a gun, to show what can happen. My kids don't want to go to school on that day.

Reading, Writing, and Rifles??

These are different times we live in.

Will we live to see such times, as have been prophesied for so many years? Will we see the deterioration of this country? Will we experience things that this extremely soft and selfish generation cannot even fathom? Will the "signs of the times" happen in our time?

I don't know.

But I do know America is changing. And I don't like the changes that are taking place.

I feel small, helpless, not able to do anything to make a difference -- other than voice my opinion.

But if there is a time when we are asked to (or forced to) "fight" . . . I pray that I can know what to do. I pray for the strength of those who have gone before me, who have crossed the deep oceans, pulled handcarts with blistered hands, those who have fought to protect their lives, family, religion, and freedom. I pray for their strength to be with me, if we are ever called to endure trials as difficult . . . they may not be too far off.

I pray for courage. I feel in my gut, there will be battles to be fought . . . and freedom to defend.

The voices are getting louder.

I hear the people sing, singing the songs of angry men.

May God be with us.

Judge Not

None of us is perfect. I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or inactions.

There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: “Judge not.”

-President Thomas S. Monson

I am a teacher in Relief Society, and yesterday I had the opportunity to teach about, "The pure love of Christ."  This lesson topic seems to come up a lot for me. Perhaps it is because I am so proficient at loving my neighbor, and not judging, that I am qualified to teach others how to be better. Or perhaps it is because it is one of my biggest weaknesses, and so I know exactly how to address the issue, because it is MY issue. It is my very personal, very deep-dwelling issue -- that needs constant correcting, and cleansing. Teaching lessons are often so helpful in healing . . . and hopefully helping others, too! 

I love teaching, especially Relief Society. It is the best.

*Random side note: Sometimes when I am done teaching, I feel so emptied. Sometimes I walk out of the room and I feel like I leave myself on the podium -- all my guts, and emotions, my spirit, and everything I had to offer. I let it all out, and then walk away. The end. It is such a strange thing. You go from teaching-with-the-Spirit high -- to end-of-lesson low. You get nods and, "nice lesson," comments, and then you go home. Drained. Sometimes teaching makes me feel so very vulnerable. When it is over, I wonder if any of it made a difference . . . if it mattered. If those who listened were able to feel the intense feelings that were being burned in my heart, as I spoke with a voice much stronger than my own. I would hope that something I have offered while teaching over the years has been of some worth to someone. But, if not, I know I have learned more as a teacher than I could learn any other way. 

Anyway . . .  back to the topic of having charity in our hearts. 

Yes, I am flawed. Yes, charity -- purely loving others -- is something I have to work on. Every. Single. Day. Yes, I am a beam-flinger when a mote has been cast my way . . .  

But I don't want to be. I want to be better. I have to constantly keep myself in check throughout the day. I have to catch myself from casting judgements on those around me. It is not fair to them, it is not fair to me! It only does damage. And, oh, how very wrong I usually am when assuming things about those I don't know . . . and even those I do know! 

It is true, we have to judge a little. We need to determine if someone is safe, or trustworthy, or deceiving, or scary, etc., etc., the list goes on infinitely, forever . . . and we need to protect ourselves. Absolutely. 

That is not the judgement I am talking about. 

I am talking about how we look at others, and judge them by their appearance, or actions. We categorize them into such-and-such group. We treat them a certain way because of the way they look, and what we see. We judge others because of their clothes, their hair, their size, their shoes . . . . We judge them for their actions, their words, their mistakes, their flaws, their seeming perfection, their mothering, their everything. We judge unrighteous judgements, and we do it ALL the time. 

Why? Because we can, and it makes us feel better, right? 

Not right. 

Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this profound truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”  The Savior has admonished, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”  I ask: can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I  answer—with Mother Teresa: no, we cannot. - President Thomas S. Monson

I used to be really bad at judging others. I am not even close to free from this flaw now, but I am better than I was -- that is for sure! I am sure a lot of my progress comes from time, and age, but also hard work! It is especially hard for me because I love to watch people. And in that watching, there is the dangerous line I can cross into judging. Jeepers it is hard to change. Do you know how hard it is to reconstruct the interior of your heart, and soul? Do you know how hard it is to pluck out the jealously, envy, and insecurity, and just let it go? Do you know how hard it is to just love people? I mean really love them? 

It is hard . . . but it is possible! 

I don't want to get all preachy, but I really feel like love is missing in the world right now. People much prefer a good fight. The debates taking place over right and wrong, gray and grayer, are endless. People argue, all the time, over really lame things. They want to be right, not kind. Pride . . . the world is ripe with it. With so much ugliness in the world, how can we possibly win the good fight? 

It is simple. 

We can win it with love. 

If your heart is full of love, the love of God, the pure love of Christ . . . then the fight is already won for you. No matter what happens. A heart full of love is a heart full of freedom . . . and that can never be taken away. Not ever. Peace. Contentment. Happiness. All within your grasp. 

You just have to let it go . . . 

If you are plagued with the disease of pride and judging that once plagued me . . . I encourage you to let it go. Just do it.  Allow love to take pride's place in your heart, and be free. 

To love another person is to see the face of God . . . and freedom.

Ice Storm

They did not cancel school today . . . so I did. I kept the kids home from school after Charles called me and told me not to bother going on the roads. (I have to drive 6 times to and from school, 15 minutes each way.)

There was a layer of ice everywhere! It was pretty impressive. 

Ice-Skating rink. Not a good thing to walk on with baby in arms . . . 

The kids wanted to see how slippery it really was . . . that is ice under their feet. 

And they ice-skated in the middle of the road . . . 

 And fell down . . .

 And glided . . . 

Danced . . .  

steady now . . .  

 And soared . . . 

 And fell some more . . . 

 And landed on their backs . . . 

They could really glide far . . .  

So fun! 

Though I was just waiting for a crash and burn (and blood) . . . we were lucky. Not today.  

 Glad we stayed home! 

Reminds me of my Alaskan childhood. We had a sledding hill at school that was always covered in ice and blood. Those were the good ol' days. 

the best of my life

 I was driving to pick-up William from kindergarten, and I turned the radio to Glenn Beck. He was right in the middle of a speech about abortion, and the awful reality of it. He was being rowdy, loud, and forceful -- and then he stopped. He was quiet. Dead airtime. He then spoke again, quietly, through tears. Glenn quoted Les Mis . . . he spoke of when ValJean is dying. With dying breath ValJean said of the child Cosette: She was, "The best of my life." Glenn went on to explain -- right after the awful radio-conversation on abortion -- how children are truly the best of our lives. He explained how precious and priceless they are. Tears welled-up in my eyes, and my heart burned, as I felt the truthfulness of what he was saying. I don't always support his views, or methods, but on that point I fully agree . . . my children are the best of my life. I am so grateful to be their mother. I am so grateful I was able to provide little bodies for their valiant spirits. I am so grateful to provide a life for them. Life is a sacred thing. It must be valued, and protected. What precious treasures they are . . . our beautiful children. I cannot imagine a life without them . . . and I don't have to. They are mine forever. Thanks be to God.

Our children are our greatest treasures. Don't ever forget it.