Be warned. This post is a vent. There's been a lot in the media lately that I've been trying to mull over in my mind before I could even think about writing a post about it all... for starters... grocery stores charging $0.05 per a plastic bag at the check out... because you know... that's going to help people already struggling to make ends meet... and please don't give me the bullshit line of purchasing a canvas bag or bringing the plastic bag back to the store for reuse - you know as well as I do that at least 45% of those bags rip before you get them to the front door and that nearly the remaining 55% are reused in each household (because honestly, have you seen the cost of "disposable" garbage liners lately?)... and you something... when it comes to spending $6-20 on a canvas bag (times however many it would take to bring the groceries home for an average family - so let's lowball it at say 5 bags - so $30-100 total) or putting food on the table and gas in the tank... what do you think people in a poor economic situation are going to choose?
This morning I'm posting before I can think because I can't get my head around the complete injustices happening awfully close to home...
First there was the story about the 10 year old girl who was raped and has had a child in St. Anthony, Idaho... the story that barely had any headlines on the local news (suffice it to say the man (monster) involved has been arrested)... no idea if the girl is approaching 11 or if the incident happened when she was 9 (that's how little media coverage this is getting... that it was allowed to go unnoticed just pisses me off... because if the media wanted to really draw attention to it and it had indeed happened when she was 9 we'd hear all about that and the community would be in an uproar - so why aren't they at 10? Instead we got a passing headline)... sick. sick. sick. I hope they put him away for life along with any and all adults that allowed the poor child to continue with a pregnancy at that age, because you know - being raped at 9/10 isn't going to screw her up enough - delivering at 10 is just so emotionally appropriate for a CHILD her age...
Soapbox #2... UTAH AND ARIZONA NOT ADDRESSING THE POLYGAMIST ISSUE IN THEIR OWN BACK DOOR AND IN FACT HOLDING A MEETING AND PUBLICLY AGREEING TO IGNORE THE SITUATION.
Of course the only headline hitting the news in this region is that they have nothing to fear because the government (i.e., my and your hard earned cold cash tax dollars at work) are going to turn a blind eye to the ILLEGAL and unethical treatment of the children in those communities. Wow... not only that... BUT THEY'RE ACTUALLY CONSIDERING RELEASING THE CHILDREN FROM TEXAS TO THE RELATIVES WITHIN THE COMPOUNDS AND CITIES IN UTAH instead of putting them into foster care. HELLO??? EARTH TO CHILD SERVICES - do you really think that is the best option for these children? To remove them from one predatory community and subject them to another community wherein the government has already declared that it will not intervene with their, again, ILLEGAL (because marriage to underage children is illegal) actions!!! I realize that it's difficult to argue with religious zealots. I know. And the amount of "brainwashing"/indoctrination (because truly to some extent that's what happens in EVERY religion including the religion from which FDLS found it roots) that these women and children have been through is unfathomable... but still - FOR GOD'S SAKE! As a Christian nation when do we step in and call shenanigans on the entire situation!
I cannot for a minute wrap my hand around the fact that a government/law of the land/closely related in principals religion that I have trusted for 30 years would let sooooo many children down on such a tremendous level.
Retiring soapbox for the time being...
These are only TWO recent incidents... it doesn't even account for the millions of children that fall through the cracks. I wish there were no cracks. Better yet, I wish there were actually consequences. Better yet, I wish as a Nation we'd look inwards and deal with the problems at hand (child abuse, drug abuse, domestic abuse, etc.) before we start offering aid to nations who have a natural disaster.
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Friday, May 9, 2008
Friday, December 28, 2007
Time for Something of Substance...
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
7:58 PM - Time for Something of Substance...
Current mood: productive
Category: News and Politics
Mitt Romney gave his premeptive to his upcoming I'm a Mormon vote for me speech last night... here's the text...
***************************************************
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said his long-awaited address on religion won't focus on demystifying Mormonism.
"I'm not gonna be giving a JFK speech," Mr. Romney told reporters in Manchester, N.H., yesterday, referring to the 1960 address by then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy in his bid as a Roman Catholic for the White House. "He gave the definitive speech, if you will, on discrimination relating to political campaigns." Mr. Romney, a Mormon, later said he hadn't read Mr. Kennedy's speech recently.
The former Massachusetts governor said his address slated for Thursday will concentrate on the "common heritage" of the country's founding fathers and "the faith which they had in a creator, not a specific religion." Mr. Romney's remarks continue his effort throughout the campaign to unite voters across faiths and connect with the Republican Party's evangelical Christian wing. Mr. Romney wrote his "Faith in America" address himself in his hotel room in Boca Raton, Fla., the day after last Wednesday's Republican debate.
He denied allegations about the timing and importance of his talk. Recent polls gave former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee a lead in Iowa, a state Mr. Romney had dominated and one where Christian conservatives are an important bloc in the nominating caucuses, to be held Jan. 3. Mr. Romney took a shot at Mr. Huckabee, a onetime Southern Baptist minister who has made his religion the centerpiece of recent appearances. "A candidate or a president that tried to make religion a defining feature of his campaign or his term in office would tend to divide the nation rather than bring it together," Mr. Romney said.
And while many have waited for this speech since Mr. Romney announced his candidacy in January, he insisted that religion won't be a big issue in the race. "I just don't think in the final analysis it will be the deciding factor," he said.
Mr. Romney asked voters to judge him by his family and not his religion, then he paraphrased a line from the New Testament: "By the fruits of their labor, you shall know them."
*****************************************************
Those already aware of my distain for this man will know why I find it very interesting that he 'paraphrased' from the New Testament and not from his own religion's Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 14:16,20... come on ya'll... most of us were tortured to memorize these scriptures for Scripture Mastery... (no offense to those who still practice and believe)... anyone else thinking that maybe Romney is starting to think that the LDS vote isn't going to be enough to get him through the primaries?????????? Especially since the growth of the LDS church is down in North America (2007 only saw a 0.7% increase in the building of Stake buildings in all of the USA and Canada)... Did poor Brother Romney realize that the majority of active LDS members are not U.S. voters? Maybe I shouldn't worry too much about the uneducated Mormon vote carring ol' Romney after all... especially since the majority of the votes I'm sure he was counting on are probably members of record, but not 'active.'
Hmmmm... makes one think a bit...
7:58 PM - Time for Something of Substance...
Current mood: productive
Category: News and Politics
Mitt Romney gave his premeptive to his upcoming I'm a Mormon vote for me speech last night... here's the text...
***************************************************
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said his long-awaited address on religion won't focus on demystifying Mormonism.
"I'm not gonna be giving a JFK speech," Mr. Romney told reporters in Manchester, N.H., yesterday, referring to the 1960 address by then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy in his bid as a Roman Catholic for the White House. "He gave the definitive speech, if you will, on discrimination relating to political campaigns." Mr. Romney, a Mormon, later said he hadn't read Mr. Kennedy's speech recently.
The former Massachusetts governor said his address slated for Thursday will concentrate on the "common heritage" of the country's founding fathers and "the faith which they had in a creator, not a specific religion." Mr. Romney's remarks continue his effort throughout the campaign to unite voters across faiths and connect with the Republican Party's evangelical Christian wing. Mr. Romney wrote his "Faith in America" address himself in his hotel room in Boca Raton, Fla., the day after last Wednesday's Republican debate.
He denied allegations about the timing and importance of his talk. Recent polls gave former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee a lead in Iowa, a state Mr. Romney had dominated and one where Christian conservatives are an important bloc in the nominating caucuses, to be held Jan. 3. Mr. Romney took a shot at Mr. Huckabee, a onetime Southern Baptist minister who has made his religion the centerpiece of recent appearances. "A candidate or a president that tried to make religion a defining feature of his campaign or his term in office would tend to divide the nation rather than bring it together," Mr. Romney said.
And while many have waited for this speech since Mr. Romney announced his candidacy in January, he insisted that religion won't be a big issue in the race. "I just don't think in the final analysis it will be the deciding factor," he said.
Mr. Romney asked voters to judge him by his family and not his religion, then he paraphrased a line from the New Testament: "By the fruits of their labor, you shall know them."
*****************************************************
Those already aware of my distain for this man will know why I find it very interesting that he 'paraphrased' from the New Testament and not from his own religion's Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 14:16,20... come on ya'll... most of us were tortured to memorize these scriptures for Scripture Mastery... (no offense to those who still practice and believe)... anyone else thinking that maybe Romney is starting to think that the LDS vote isn't going to be enough to get him through the primaries?????????? Especially since the growth of the LDS church is down in North America (2007 only saw a 0.7% increase in the building of Stake buildings in all of the USA and Canada)... Did poor Brother Romney realize that the majority of active LDS members are not U.S. voters? Maybe I shouldn't worry too much about the uneducated Mormon vote carring ol' Romney after all... especially since the majority of the votes I'm sure he was counting on are probably members of record, but not 'active.'
Hmmmm... makes one think a bit...
For Reals People?
Friday, November 30, 2007
1:49 PM - For Reals People?
Current mood: nauseated
Category: Life
I'm debating... between ignoring the fact that I found a letter under my bench... or admitting that I found a letter under my bench... too late I suppose?
So nice of these "people" who are so interested in having me as their friends to feed the bears some cookies. Seeing as since nobody bothered to find out where I was first before they left a plate of food at my front door... too bad I didn't go back to my own house until 5 days after they left the food... wondering why you hadn't heard anything about it yet??? If the light wouldn't have caught the white paper just so I wouldn't have even noticed that. I have no clue where the goodies went... I can only hope they didn't make some poor dog sick.
I'm torn betwen, well that was a nice gesture - and - oh my God, please give me a fucking break! I'm leaning heavily towards going with the second. Simply because of two or three factors.
1. Along with the text messaging, everyone knows it's completely inappropriate to stop by my house unannounced and uninvited after about 7:30 at night. Work starts early the next day. Judging from the letter, had I been home, I'd a been pissed. My house is my sanctuary and one of the very strong reasons why most of you (assuming it was a group effort to deliver the goodies) had no clue where I live.
2. I've already declared that I don't want the feeling that comes with the branch to grace my doorstep... had they called I would've politely declined their visit... it takes too long to spiritually cleanse the house after they leave and I don't have the time or energy to do it before the holidays.
3. Had these oh so close "friends" bothered to look around they would've noticed that in the pretty much empty parking lot... my car was absent... good sign I'm not home to start with... of course, had they called first they would've been saved the trip out of town to my place...
4. A particular part of the note mentioned that they had hoped to see me at more the activities now that "you-know-who" had moved. Problem is, this is only trying to make them feel better for not telling "you-know-who" that they were completely out of line... I'm not saying you had to pick my side of their's... I'm just pointing out the obvious... if you'd a made me feel more welcome and less like the problem for sticking up for what was right and proper... maybe I'd had considered coming after the Wounded Couple moved. But you didn't. All winter... into spring... then all summer.
5. Numbers are low now that the summer crew has moved on. Oh, poor you. Your friends that are more than willing to go on late night hikes and dangerous adventures are now gone. Now you have time for me. Too bad I moved on. I no longer have the time or desire to associate with your group. I've found a more mature niche. One more fitting to my own goals and career aspirations. One that isn't stuck with a high school mentality...
6. How can you tell me that people who really don't know the first thing about me want to be my friend? Go ahead, prove me wrong... I almost dare you.
7. Seriously, seriously, seriously... I hope you suceeded in making yourselfs feel better since that's obviously the mission you were all on. So now that you've completed your project and made your contact for the month... please give it a rest.
Okay, so obviously that's a few more than three... truth be told, I'm holding a few back just so I don't hurt the really sensitive half of the group that signed the letter... you know, the one that hasn't emailed or left any comments, but still 'loves' me... fuck me...I'm seriously this close to sending my membership back to SLC just to get some peace... that or moving and not telling anyone where I've moved to...
1:49 PM - For Reals People?
Current mood: nauseated
Category: Life
I'm debating... between ignoring the fact that I found a letter under my bench... or admitting that I found a letter under my bench... too late I suppose?
So nice of these "people" who are so interested in having me as their friends to feed the bears some cookies. Seeing as since nobody bothered to find out where I was first before they left a plate of food at my front door... too bad I didn't go back to my own house until 5 days after they left the food... wondering why you hadn't heard anything about it yet??? If the light wouldn't have caught the white paper just so I wouldn't have even noticed that. I have no clue where the goodies went... I can only hope they didn't make some poor dog sick.
I'm torn betwen, well that was a nice gesture - and - oh my God, please give me a fucking break! I'm leaning heavily towards going with the second. Simply because of two or three factors.
1. Along with the text messaging, everyone knows it's completely inappropriate to stop by my house unannounced and uninvited after about 7:30 at night. Work starts early the next day. Judging from the letter, had I been home, I'd a been pissed. My house is my sanctuary and one of the very strong reasons why most of you (assuming it was a group effort to deliver the goodies) had no clue where I live.
2. I've already declared that I don't want the feeling that comes with the branch to grace my doorstep... had they called I would've politely declined their visit... it takes too long to spiritually cleanse the house after they leave and I don't have the time or energy to do it before the holidays.
3. Had these oh so close "friends" bothered to look around they would've noticed that in the pretty much empty parking lot... my car was absent... good sign I'm not home to start with... of course, had they called first they would've been saved the trip out of town to my place...
4. A particular part of the note mentioned that they had hoped to see me at more the activities now that "you-know-who" had moved. Problem is, this is only trying to make them feel better for not telling "you-know-who" that they were completely out of line... I'm not saying you had to pick my side of their's... I'm just pointing out the obvious... if you'd a made me feel more welcome and less like the problem for sticking up for what was right and proper... maybe I'd had considered coming after the Wounded Couple moved. But you didn't. All winter... into spring... then all summer.
5. Numbers are low now that the summer crew has moved on. Oh, poor you. Your friends that are more than willing to go on late night hikes and dangerous adventures are now gone. Now you have time for me. Too bad I moved on. I no longer have the time or desire to associate with your group. I've found a more mature niche. One more fitting to my own goals and career aspirations. One that isn't stuck with a high school mentality...
6. How can you tell me that people who really don't know the first thing about me want to be my friend? Go ahead, prove me wrong... I almost dare you.
7. Seriously, seriously, seriously... I hope you suceeded in making yourselfs feel better since that's obviously the mission you were all on. So now that you've completed your project and made your contact for the month... please give it a rest.
Okay, so obviously that's a few more than three... truth be told, I'm holding a few back just so I don't hurt the really sensitive half of the group that signed the letter... you know, the one that hasn't emailed or left any comments, but still 'loves' me... fuck me...I'm seriously this close to sending my membership back to SLC just to get some peace... that or moving and not telling anyone where I've moved to...
Top Ten Reasons it is NOT Okay to Text Me
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
9:07 AM - Top Ten Reasons it is NOT Okay to Text Me
Current mood: pissed off
Category: Life
10. I can't text you back... Plain and simple. I've had my cell phone number since well before most of you were freshman in high school... there are just somethings that aren't possible for numbers off of the old switch and I am unwilling to change my number and my number can't be ported because technically it's a landline number.
9. I've asked, and asked, begged, and pleaded with the group of you for TWO years now to NOT text message me... now I'm just getting pissed...
8. I really don't find it an appropriate source of my hard earned money to be nickled and dimed to death with stupid ass forwards that resemble the same emails that are in my inbox for free. Enough said.
7. A mass salutation of Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Pick Your Own Nose Day, etc., is not personal and means nothing to me. If you really wanted to wish me one of those you'd send a card, an email, leave me a comment, or heaven forbid... dial my number. Any moron can 'select all' and send a mass text.
6. Did I mention I've already asked all of you not to?
5. I reserve being nickled and dimed to death for the important text messages from my family. That means I would so much rather have a cute picture of my brother, neice, nephew, sister's dogs, than a lame ass message informing me of an activity I have no interest in attending. For that reason alone I do not just completely disable the capability on my phone.
4. I'm not interested in attending any of the following: boring, constantly starting late and run too long, not well planned, attended by people who I have nothing in common with, YSA activities. I'd rather not even hear about the activity, let alone pay fifteen cents (plus tax) everytime somebody decides their numbers have been low and hits 'send all' on their cellphone. I was fine not being in the loop all summer, please unsubscribe me from your lists.
3. Again, have I mentioned that I've asked more than politely to not be texted??
2. Those same activities, a few take a bit more planning than the announcement I get at 9 a.m. for the activity that starts at 5:30 p.m. at your house. If you wanted me there to start with, you'd make a more personal effort than sending me an akward text 8 hours before the event.
1. Because I have said on more than one occasion that I DON'T WANT TEXT MESSAGES from the Branch. Which should've been the only reason I had to give.
9:07 AM - Top Ten Reasons it is NOT Okay to Text Me
Current mood: pissed off
Category: Life
10. I can't text you back... Plain and simple. I've had my cell phone number since well before most of you were freshman in high school... there are just somethings that aren't possible for numbers off of the old switch and I am unwilling to change my number and my number can't be ported because technically it's a landline number.
9. I've asked, and asked, begged, and pleaded with the group of you for TWO years now to NOT text message me... now I'm just getting pissed...
8. I really don't find it an appropriate source of my hard earned money to be nickled and dimed to death with stupid ass forwards that resemble the same emails that are in my inbox for free. Enough said.
7. A mass salutation of Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Pick Your Own Nose Day, etc., is not personal and means nothing to me. If you really wanted to wish me one of those you'd send a card, an email, leave me a comment, or heaven forbid... dial my number. Any moron can 'select all' and send a mass text.
6. Did I mention I've already asked all of you not to?
5. I reserve being nickled and dimed to death for the important text messages from my family. That means I would so much rather have a cute picture of my brother, neice, nephew, sister's dogs, than a lame ass message informing me of an activity I have no interest in attending. For that reason alone I do not just completely disable the capability on my phone.
4. I'm not interested in attending any of the following: boring, constantly starting late and run too long, not well planned, attended by people who I have nothing in common with, YSA activities. I'd rather not even hear about the activity, let alone pay fifteen cents (plus tax) everytime somebody decides their numbers have been low and hits 'send all' on their cellphone. I was fine not being in the loop all summer, please unsubscribe me from your lists.
3. Again, have I mentioned that I've asked more than politely to not be texted??
2. Those same activities, a few take a bit more planning than the announcement I get at 9 a.m. for the activity that starts at 5:30 p.m. at your house. If you wanted me there to start with, you'd make a more personal effort than sending me an akward text 8 hours before the event.
1. Because I have said on more than one occasion that I DON'T WANT TEXT MESSAGES from the Branch. Which should've been the only reason I had to give.
That Was So Not Cool
Monday, November 19, 2007
6:15 AM - That Was So Not Cool
Current mood: tired
Category: Religion and Philosophy
I don't think it's appropriate for the Elders Quarom President to call and check on how things are going - WHILE HE'S SITTING WITH A GROUP AFTER DINNER. Do you honestly think I'm going to tell you how my life is going with a full audience? Come on, get a brain and give me a break! And they wonder why I'm completely fed up with the Branch... could it possibly be that there's about as much maturity and intellect as a class of first graders? Yeah, I know, I'm being generous there...
It's bad enough that the rumours run amuck through the Branch without scenarios like this... honestly... think about it D... would your Dad's EQP call him from a bar-b-que just to see what's going on and to schedule an appointment to come over... geeze... if it doesn't make sense for the family ward to do it... do you really think it's appropriate in the singles branch too???? We've had this discussion oh... I don't know... about a hundred times now...
And handing the phone to the R.S. President... tasteless... she can call on her own time too... oh... yeah... that's right... I deactivated her only other form of communication with me... ah... alas... no more Facebook account...
To say I'm not impressed is a gross understatement...
6:15 AM - That Was So Not Cool
Current mood: tired
Category: Religion and Philosophy
I don't think it's appropriate for the Elders Quarom President to call and check on how things are going - WHILE HE'S SITTING WITH A GROUP AFTER DINNER. Do you honestly think I'm going to tell you how my life is going with a full audience? Come on, get a brain and give me a break! And they wonder why I'm completely fed up with the Branch... could it possibly be that there's about as much maturity and intellect as a class of first graders? Yeah, I know, I'm being generous there...
It's bad enough that the rumours run amuck through the Branch without scenarios like this... honestly... think about it D... would your Dad's EQP call him from a bar-b-que just to see what's going on and to schedule an appointment to come over... geeze... if it doesn't make sense for the family ward to do it... do you really think it's appropriate in the singles branch too???? We've had this discussion oh... I don't know... about a hundred times now...
And handing the phone to the R.S. President... tasteless... she can call on her own time too... oh... yeah... that's right... I deactivated her only other form of communication with me... ah... alas... no more Facebook account...
To say I'm not impressed is a gross understatement...
Boundaries
Saturday, November 17, 2007
9:25 AM - Boundaries
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life
"Sometimes, life and people seem to push and push. Because we are so used to pain, we may tell ourselves it doesn't hurt. Because we are so used to people controlling and minpulating us, we may tell ourselves there is something wrong with us.
There's nothing wrong with us. Life is pushing and hurting to get our attention. Sometimes, the pain and pushing are pointing toward a lesson. The lesson may be that we've become too controlling. Or maybe we're being pushed to own our power to take care of ourselves. The issue is boundaries.
If something or somebody is pushing us to our limits, that's exactly what's happening: we're being pushed to our limits. We can be grateful for the lesson that's here to help us explore and set our boundaries.
Today, I will give myself permission to set the limits I want and need to set in my life."
- Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go, p. 137.
So, by now you're wondering what I'm getting at... I'm getting at this:
It's okay for me to say: I'm sorry, but I just can't deal with other people's issues and problems and keep my head afloat too.
It's okay for me to say: not this week, my drama comes first.
It's okay for me to feel like I don't need to return the phone call from that individual who placed the call to my cell phone while I was at work (knowing I was at work and that I don't leave my phone on at work) because if the individual cared how I really was then they would've a) called after working hours; b) responded to the phone call and message I left them over a month ago; and c) contact me more than when their numbers start to get low.
It's okay for me to turn down the invitation for an "organized" event when I'm only given 6 hours notice and the notice is by a message on Facebook.
It's okay for me to say: I respect your views and opinions, but your organized religion just isn't for me anymore. Too many men have gotten in the way of their own desires.
It's okay for me to take the time I need to do what I need to do.
It's okay for me to say: you really don't know much about me or my life and if you're going to judge, I'm not going to play. Even those who think they know me, really don't know me.
It's okay for me to hold back. Trust is earned, not entitled.
It's okay for me to pull back from those relationships which are unhealthy and self-destructive. Some relationships just have a shelf life. Many have reached thier's already. Some are getting close.
Some people leave footprints on our life... it doesn't say, some people have the right to trample all over us for the benefit of their own good. Constant negativity is pointless. It's okay for me to break ties.
Life is hard. You deal with it. You deal with it. He said it wouldn't be easy and that He wouldn't give you more than you can handle, He didn't say He'd take care of it all for you. Faith without works only gets you so far. Remember the story of the man in the flood begging to be saved, only to have a tree float by, ignore it, wait for the rescue boat and then declare "nevermind, I figured it out." When you wait around to be healed miraculously through your 'blessings' and take no other steps towards your well being... you're in no better position than the man on the roof.
It's okay for me to say, enough is enough already.
9:25 AM - Boundaries
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life
"Sometimes, life and people seem to push and push. Because we are so used to pain, we may tell ourselves it doesn't hurt. Because we are so used to people controlling and minpulating us, we may tell ourselves there is something wrong with us.
There's nothing wrong with us. Life is pushing and hurting to get our attention. Sometimes, the pain and pushing are pointing toward a lesson. The lesson may be that we've become too controlling. Or maybe we're being pushed to own our power to take care of ourselves. The issue is boundaries.
If something or somebody is pushing us to our limits, that's exactly what's happening: we're being pushed to our limits. We can be grateful for the lesson that's here to help us explore and set our boundaries.
Today, I will give myself permission to set the limits I want and need to set in my life."
- Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go, p. 137.
So, by now you're wondering what I'm getting at... I'm getting at this:
It's okay for me to say: I'm sorry, but I just can't deal with other people's issues and problems and keep my head afloat too.
It's okay for me to say: not this week, my drama comes first.
It's okay for me to feel like I don't need to return the phone call from that individual who placed the call to my cell phone while I was at work (knowing I was at work and that I don't leave my phone on at work) because if the individual cared how I really was then they would've a) called after working hours; b) responded to the phone call and message I left them over a month ago; and c) contact me more than when their numbers start to get low.
It's okay for me to turn down the invitation for an "organized" event when I'm only given 6 hours notice and the notice is by a message on Facebook.
It's okay for me to say: I respect your views and opinions, but your organized religion just isn't for me anymore. Too many men have gotten in the way of their own desires.
It's okay for me to take the time I need to do what I need to do.
It's okay for me to say: you really don't know much about me or my life and if you're going to judge, I'm not going to play. Even those who think they know me, really don't know me.
It's okay for me to hold back. Trust is earned, not entitled.
It's okay for me to pull back from those relationships which are unhealthy and self-destructive. Some relationships just have a shelf life. Many have reached thier's already. Some are getting close.
Some people leave footprints on our life... it doesn't say, some people have the right to trample all over us for the benefit of their own good. Constant negativity is pointless. It's okay for me to break ties.
Life is hard. You deal with it. You deal with it. He said it wouldn't be easy and that He wouldn't give you more than you can handle, He didn't say He'd take care of it all for you. Faith without works only gets you so far. Remember the story of the man in the flood begging to be saved, only to have a tree float by, ignore it, wait for the rescue boat and then declare "nevermind, I figured it out." When you wait around to be healed miraculously through your 'blessings' and take no other steps towards your well being... you're in no better position than the man on the roof.
It's okay for me to say, enough is enough already.
That Felt Good
Monday, October 22, 2007
2:04 PM - That Felt Good
Current mood: jubilant
Category: Life
For the first time in a long time I said "no." Well, close to a no.
Instead of feeling like I have to say yes and go to something I have no desire to attend, I simply said, "thanks for thinking of me but I'm afraid I will not make it."
Simply said and simply put and because the recipient of my no was a little lost in their own little world I wasn't pressured into a why or giving an excuse.
I feel a bit empowered. I like taking back control of my life.
So, beware, I have the taste of "no" in my mouth... I may be saying no to a lot more things in the near future... (insert maniacal wicked laugh here!!!!)
2:04 PM - That Felt Good
Current mood: jubilant
Category: Life
For the first time in a long time I said "no." Well, close to a no.
Instead of feeling like I have to say yes and go to something I have no desire to attend, I simply said, "thanks for thinking of me but I'm afraid I will not make it."
Simply said and simply put and because the recipient of my no was a little lost in their own little world I wasn't pressured into a why or giving an excuse.
I feel a bit empowered. I like taking back control of my life.
So, beware, I have the taste of "no" in my mouth... I may be saying no to a lot more things in the near future... (insert maniacal wicked laugh here!!!!)
Question for My Homosexual Friends & Families
Thursday, October 11, 2007
2:09 PM - Question for My Homosexual Friends & Families
Current mood: curious
Category: Religion and Philosophy
I was asked a question earlier today that I'd love some feedback on. It's a bit of a touchy subject, so if you'd rather you can always send me a message...
Okay, here I go, I was asked by a friend in Jackson just how the LDS church responds and treats homosexuals. I honestly do not know because I've probably turned a blind eye to it. That and the few gay men I do know haven't been "active" (God, I hate that term) members of the Mormon church for years. (And/or haven't come out of the closet, well to me at least).
I guess the question is... does the church "deal" with it in some manner (like excommunication) or do they just turn a blind eye and acknowledge that those members are "in active"? And if they treat the membership record as an "inactive" record... are you the lucky few who don't have to deal with nosy visiting teachers and hometeachers knocking down your front door trying to find a way to "save your soul?"
Personnaly, well... I don't think everyone is ready to hear my personal views on SLC, Inc., right now... but I can't imagine God not loving someone because of their sexual orientation or nonbelieve in the mainstream religion. Faith and good works... right?????
2:09 PM - Question for My Homosexual Friends & Families
Current mood: curious
Category: Religion and Philosophy
I was asked a question earlier today that I'd love some feedback on. It's a bit of a touchy subject, so if you'd rather you can always send me a message...
Okay, here I go, I was asked by a friend in Jackson just how the LDS church responds and treats homosexuals. I honestly do not know because I've probably turned a blind eye to it. That and the few gay men I do know haven't been "active" (God, I hate that term) members of the Mormon church for years. (And/or haven't come out of the closet, well to me at least).
I guess the question is... does the church "deal" with it in some manner (like excommunication) or do they just turn a blind eye and acknowledge that those members are "in active"? And if they treat the membership record as an "inactive" record... are you the lucky few who don't have to deal with nosy visiting teachers and hometeachers knocking down your front door trying to find a way to "save your soul?"
Personnaly, well... I don't think everyone is ready to hear my personal views on SLC, Inc., right now... but I can't imagine God not loving someone because of their sexual orientation or nonbelieve in the mainstream religion. Faith and good works... right?????
This Is Why
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
6:27 PM - This Is Why
Current mood: pissed off
Category: Religion and Philosophy
This is why I don't like setting up appointments with the hometeachers... it's a joke. No matter what time you schedule them for you should plan on them being at least 30 to 45 minutes late. Not to mention, I don't even want them here in the first place (my home is my refuge and I refuse to invite the drama of the Branch here). I gave them a pity visit because they I happened to call Rose when she was with them - but next time the answer is a firm resounding NO. I missed a completely amazing leaves and snow setting waiting on my ass for them to show up... I guess they think they get bonus points for calling at 6:00 (the time the appointment was for) as they were starting up the pass and before they picked up their partner... nope... never again... I'm done... same goes for the Branch... even with the upcoming changes... so... for those who follow and give a damn... never again will I be cornered into something that is a complete waste of my time
6:27 PM - This Is Why
Current mood: pissed off
Category: Religion and Philosophy
This is why I don't like setting up appointments with the hometeachers... it's a joke. No matter what time you schedule them for you should plan on them being at least 30 to 45 minutes late. Not to mention, I don't even want them here in the first place (my home is my refuge and I refuse to invite the drama of the Branch here). I gave them a pity visit because they I happened to call Rose when she was with them - but next time the answer is a firm resounding NO. I missed a completely amazing leaves and snow setting waiting on my ass for them to show up... I guess they think they get bonus points for calling at 6:00 (the time the appointment was for) as they were starting up the pass and before they picked up their partner... nope... never again... I'm done... same goes for the Branch... even with the upcoming changes... so... for those who follow and give a damn... never again will I be cornered into something that is a complete waste of my time
Why Mitt Won’t Get My Vote
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
9:59 PM - Why Mitt Won’t Get My Vote
Current mood: angry
Category: Life
Because he's a flipflopper who changes his views to get the sympathetic, uneducated, party votes of those lazy voters who will only be voting for him because he is LDS. I hope that those voters realize that this is not a popularity vote, but a position with serious consequences and powers.
It should be noted that I am not interested in starting a pro-life argument on my blog and as such I've disabled comments.
..> Mitt Romney
Republican WHEN HE WAS GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, MR. ROMNEY SUPPORTED ABORTION RIGHTS...
I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country.
-- Debate with Ted Kennedy, October 1994
...BUT HE SAYS NOW THAT HE CHANGED HIS MIND
I've always been personally pro-life, but for me there was a great question about whether or not government should intrude in that decision. And when I ran for office, I said I'd protect the law as it was, which is effectively a pro-choice position. About two years ago when we were studying cloning in our state, I said, look, we have gone too far; it's a brave new world mentality that Roe v. Wade has given us; and I change my mind...I won't apologize to anybody for becoming pro-life.
-- Republican Candidates Debate, May 3, 2007
9:59 PM - Why Mitt Won’t Get My Vote
Current mood: angry
Category: Life
Because he's a flipflopper who changes his views to get the sympathetic, uneducated, party votes of those lazy voters who will only be voting for him because he is LDS. I hope that those voters realize that this is not a popularity vote, but a position with serious consequences and powers.
It should be noted that I am not interested in starting a pro-life argument on my blog and as such I've disabled comments.
..> Mitt Romney
Republican WHEN HE WAS GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, MR. ROMNEY SUPPORTED ABORTION RIGHTS...
I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country.
-- Debate with Ted Kennedy, October 1994
...BUT HE SAYS NOW THAT HE CHANGED HIS MIND
I've always been personally pro-life, but for me there was a great question about whether or not government should intrude in that decision. And when I ran for office, I said I'd protect the law as it was, which is effectively a pro-choice position. About two years ago when we were studying cloning in our state, I said, look, we have gone too far; it's a brave new world mentality that Roe v. Wade has given us; and I change my mind...I won't apologize to anybody for becoming pro-life.
-- Republican Candidates Debate, May 3, 2007
Quote of the Day
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
8:04 PM - Quote of the Day
Current mood: moody
Today during Glen Beck's daily television show he said the following and given my current feelings about the state of a certain branch within an organized religion I felt like writing it down for future reference and then decided I would share it with everyone because I know I'm not alone.
"When you try to make religion fun for everyone you end up spiritually fulfilling no one."
8:04 PM - Quote of the Day
Current mood: moody
Today during Glen Beck's daily television show he said the following and given my current feelings about the state of a certain branch within an organized religion I felt like writing it down for future reference and then decided I would share it with everyone because I know I'm not alone.
"When you try to make religion fun for everyone you end up spiritually fulfilling no one."