Never Silence Life

I read about this about 5 minutes ago, and I have to put a plug in for it everywhere now. Check it out and spread the word, even if you don't want to go out and protest, just tell people about it. Maybe someone will want to.
Here is the link, and an excerpt from the webpage.


In America alone 1.37 million children are aborted every year; 3,700 a day. My generation is a part of the biggest holocaust in history. 1/3 of my generation has been killed. And it's 1/2 of my generation that is doing the killing. And what have we done about it? Nothing. We say we don't like it but we don't stand up for it.So another question for you today is, are you brave enough to stand up for what is right? Are you brave enough to make history? On January 22, 1973, abortion was legalized in the United States and since then 40 million children have been killed. We can't go on one more day without letting our voice be heard. So will you stand and let your voice be heard?

This call is an attempt to come together in unity, with one voice, to be the sound of the heartbeat that will wake up the sleeping in our nation. So, on January 22, 2009, in a silent protest, we will stand in front of court houses, schools and in churches praying for the lives of the unborn. We will gather all across America. We don't gather in violence, but with a repentant heart, we will lay our petitions before the Lord to have mercy on our country and bring change to the hearts of Americans and their view on the importance of a human life.

One Day. One Voice. One Heartbeat. Together we will stand for change. Together we will make history."Before you were formed in the womb, I knew you..." - Jeremiah 1:5
http://www.neversilencelife.com/about.html

We can make a difference.


Faith

Isn't it about...time?

http://www.mormon.org/homefront/0,15902,3865-1,00.html

Scroll down and click the one on the bottom titled "Phone Call"

Take a look at my ultimate favorite commercial. I'm glad I could find it. It makes my heart melt every time!

We can make a difference (even if it means small stuff like singing "Eensy weensy spider!)

Faith

Quote of the Day

One of my favorites:





I cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good I can do. ~Jana Steinfield



Faith

Faith is Knowing the Sun Will Rise

I made this in photoshop. Have faith guys!

We can make a difference.

Faith

The Rebelution

Faith and I read a book a while ago called 'Do Hard Things.' The title itself makes it an amazing book. It was written by two brothers, Alex and Brett Harris, who wondered one day why teenagers these days don't accomplish as much as teenagers of old. They soon realized that teenagers don't accomplish as much because not much is expected. Phrases like. "They're just at that age," or "That's just how kids are" basically made it perfectly normal for teenagers to be, well, normal. They began a blog called the Rebelution (a tricky combo of revolution and rebellion) to bring kids to their senses. They define their movement as "a teenage rebellion against low expectations." What Alex and Brett have accomplished themselves attests to the effectivness of their theories. They tour the world speaking their ideas. They have been featured on MSNBC, CNN, NPR and The New York Times. They are among the most widely read authors on the internet. And yes, they are teenagers themselves. Their motto is 1 Timothy 4:12. "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Visit them at The Rebelution.

We can make a difference.
Hope

Land of the Free

Ok, this may be a little out of season. I don't know what inspired me to write this at this time of year. Let's just say it is 4th of July in December, instead of Christmas in July, eh? :-)


I have just been pondering this concept lately. In the book of John, it says, "the truth shall make you free." It reminded me of my dad's favorite book, Bonds that Make us Free. The whole concept of bonds being liberating can seem ironic at first, however, I know that the truth does make us free. While we are free to choose our actions, we cannot choose the consequences. When we make good choices, our consequences are positive. We are not bound by awful consequences if we choose the right. In Ether 2:12 it says,

"Behold, this is a choice land [America], and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written."

To become "The Land of the Free" we must serve God. I'm sure the founding fathers understood this concept, and our money says, "In God we Trust," the Plegde says, "One nation under God." etc.

Citizenship is a common theme on our blog, and I would conclude from this that serving God and keeping the commandments is one of the best ways to be a good citizen. I know that when we live the truth, it will make us free.

We can make a difference.

Faith

Christmas with a Capital C

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NdPqk-tlyM

Watch this video on YouTube!!

This song is very to-the-point. Say Merry Christmas this time of year with confidence. Our country is all about freedom of speech, so use it. If others can use their freedom of speech and say that saying "Merry Christmas" is offensive, we can say how Christ and Christmas are dear to our hearts. I'm already surprised at how many people react thankfully and positively when I say "Merry Christmas."

We can make a difference.

Faith

Why Try to Fit In if You Were Born to Stand Out?

Since you probably can't read the tiny print on the photo, here it is (I wrote it about 3 years ago!):

Born to Stand Out

When looking over rolling hills
Covered with evergreens in fall
I see one bright yellow tree
Standing differently so tall
This tree turns colors every year
The other ones do not
Does that mean this lonely tree
Should sit there and just rot?
Should it try to become like evergreens
That stay green all year round?
Or proudly stand above the rest,
Knowing its been crowned?
Should this tree be gloomy all its life
Because its leaves act differently?
Or should it see that everyone
Must be themselves with dignity?
If we are a deciduous
In a forest of evergreens
Should we try to be like everyone else?
Or realize we are queens?
If you are a deciduous
Be the best without a doubt
Because why try fitting in,
if you were born to stand out?

We can make a difference.

Faith

The Right to Know

When America was founded, many of the representatives agreed with the Constitution, but wanted to assure Americans of their rights. Thus, the Bill of Rights was created. Hopefully, all Americans know the rights given to us, some of which are freedom of speech and religion, the right to bear arms, and the right to a trail by jury. One right was, however, not included because of the elementary simplicity of it. All people have the right to the truth. Everyone should at least agree on this principle. I'm not saying that everyone should be able to get the truth about whatever he or she wants whenever he or she wants. The innate law of privacy protects us from that. However, everyone has the right to know the truth about matters that concern themselves.

If all persons accept the above principle as a given point, allow me to now state another truth base on our new one. Everyone, including Americans, has the right to truth when it involves them. We are involved with the choosing of our leaders. Our decision, as a nation, has been decided. The basic guidelines, laid out by our forefathers, assure us a qualified leader-- as long as these guidelines are followed. Imagine the disaster that would undoubtedly occur if any random person from any random country came and ran for president. Thus, the rules must be followed honestly.

I'm sure you understand what I'm trying to prove. We deserve truth, and we want to know whether our president-elect has followed the rules. I am not saying that I disbelieve Hawaii's claim for his authenticity, nor do I exactly believe his grandmother who says she witnessed his Kenyan birth. God and Obama himself only know who's telling the truth. All I'm trying to say is, it's not very hard to copy a birth certificate. You don't have to pass around copies to every curious bystander. All you have to do is prove that you aren't, to be blunt, a liar, a cheater, and a poser.

So, President Obama, why can't you simply respect the people you represent, and concede to their inalienable right of the truth? Or is that exactly what you're afraid of-- people knowing the truth? Even if you're lying to yourself, you are going to be our leader. We deserve to know.

We can make a differance
Hope

Fun Isn't Everything

Don’t get me wrong—I like Sheryl Crow. I like her hippie-ish, everyone-be-happy style. Style aside, however, I can’t say I agree with her message. This song here, All I Wanna Do is one of her popular tunes.

"All I wanna do is have a little fun before I die,"
Says the man next to me out of nowhere
It's apropos Of nothing
He says his name's William but I'm sure,
He's Bill or Billy or Mac or Buddy
And he's plain ugly to me
And I wonder if he's ever had a day of fun in his whole life
We are drinking beer at noon on Tuesday
In a bar that faces a giant car wash
The good people of the world are washing their cars
On their lunch break, hosing and scrubbing
As best they can in skirts in suits
All I wanna do is have some fun
I got a feeling I'm not the only one


We all want to have fun. The sad part is, life isn’t always fun. Those people washing their cars might have had fun lives for all we know. But cars got to be washed, folks.
For some personal perspective, I’m taking a geometry course right now. I don’t like it. All I want to do is have some fun, but I also want to get into college. I want good ACT and SAT scores. I want to understand what makes parallelograms congruent. That is not fun. However, it is worth it.
That, right there, is my thesis. Life isn’t always fun, but what isn’t fun, should be worth it. So, by all means, go have fun. Just make sure you finish your geometry first.

We can make a difference.

Hope

I Can't Tolerate the Intolerance!

In Arizona, the proposition about marriage was Prop 102. It was 20 simple words, "Marriage will remain between one man and one woman." In California, it was Prop 8. Gay rights activists demanded that people do not discriminate against them, that we tolerate their lifestyle. I don’t discriminate and I do respect all people, no matter their choice of lifestyle or anything else. That doesn’t mean I can’t embrace my views on what marriage means. This issue was not about accepting people, it was about defining a word: marriage. One of my biggest problems about this issue is that the gay rights people do not want to get married as much as they want our culture to embrace and accept their lifestyle, they want to impose their lifestyle upon us. I honestly don’t think they want to get married as bad as they want to make a big deal. By living together, they can get all the domestic rights of a married couple, so why the big deal about being married? I could go on, but this wasn’t the point I set out to make.

Prop 8, Prop 102, and the other marriage propositions in Florida and Arkansas passed. Marriage is between one man and one woman. Period. Ever since this decision was made on Tuesday, November 4th, there have been protests breaking out particularly in California. These gay rights activists demand tolerance of their lifestyle, but when the state votes against it, they cannot tolerate the new law. They will not accept the result of the election, yet they demand acceptance. I have a hard time listening to people who will not walk their talk.

We can make a difference.

Faith

Citizenship--More Important Now than Ever Before

The value of citizenship seems to have decreased for many Americans. For example, after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor strong feelings of patriotism swept the nation and life changed for all U.S. citizens as they supported their country’s decision to enter World War II. Victory gardens popped up everywhere—growing food so there would be enough for everyone, including the soldiers. Overall, the nation ate less to conserve food for the military. To conserve gas, signs were put up that said, "Is this trip necessary?" and "When you Ride Alone, You Ride with Hitler. Join a Car Club today!" As men were needed to serve in the military, women took up their jobs, and some even went to war themselves as men were fewer because of casualties. Persuasive posters including famous Rosie the Riveter inspired citizens to help the best they could. People collected tin cans, pots and pans, razor blades, and old shovels to recycle metal for war production. After all, the government reminded the public that "Waste Helps the Enemy—Conserve Material." Slogans such as "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." became common phrases that reminded the citizens how important their contributions were. Americans bought war bonds to help finance the war. It seems like almost all citizens were actively aware that the needs of the soldier came before their own. And when anyone complained or slowed down his work, he was told, "Don’t you know there’s a war on?"

In sharp contrast to this attitude is the one we have today. When we entered the War on Terrorism the attitude was nothing like the one I just described. Instead of posters promoting loyalty and support, bumper stickers degrading President Bush were printed, anti-war protests broke out, and the feeling of unity did not seem prevalent in the lives of every citizen. Instead of expressing gratitude for the men and women who were entering the war and risking their lives, the overall population expressed its freedom of speech by protesting the decisions of our government leaders. I believe that even if we feel America has made a wrong turn, it is still our obligation as good citizens to express our beliefs in a kind manner and continue to support those who lead the country. Yes, of course there were many who were and still are very patriotic and support our troops. There are thousands of families who have sent their husbands, wives, sons and daughters off to the war. They don’t deserve anything but our support. We owe so much to them. We must shine as patriotic citizens and not engage in the negative attitude of our times.

After the recent election, I am concerned about the future of America. I was severely discouraged on the night of Tuesday, November 4th as the results came in. I do not agree with Obama on hardly anything. I cringe just listening to him. However, this subject of citizenship came to mind, and I realize now that my support and good citizenship are needed now more than ever before. With a President elect that will change America in ways I shudder to think about, I know I must stand up for truth and goodness and be part of the solution, and not create more problems for our country.
We must ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country. Our country needs our good works now more than ever before. To make a nation of better citizens, we must first be better citizens ourselves.

We can make a difference.

Faith