Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Vote for Revenge or for the Love of Country?
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Final Call to Ohio
"We have to be people that behave like people determined to be free."
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Road We've Really Traveled
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Remember Who We Are
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
We Attended the Caucus
Here is the announcement with the vote count!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Attend a Caucus and Have a Voice
Read more about the Church’s position on political neutrality.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Kids Experience a Rally
Thanks to an old friend, Jeff Allen, we were able to get a family picture at the rally. The rally was a little long (because he was late in arriving) and we were on our feet the whole time so the kids were tired by the end. But I think it was a good experience for everyone. Afterwards, the kids were treated to a special treat, ice-cream!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Hot Valentines Date: Let's Attend A Presidential Rally
Here is a list of the 2012 Presidential debates with their video links. During the Q & A section, Rick Santorum encouraged us to go back and watch the debate called the Thanksgiving Family Forum (He said here the candidates were each given 18 minutes that they could use however they wanted during the forum, but once their time was up, then they wouldn't be called on to answer anymore. This forces the candidates to carefully pick and talk about the issues of most importance to them).
Monday, May 2, 2011
The End of Bin Laden
This is good and bad news. Good that a bad man was finally brought to some justice (I still don't think that it makes up for all the lives he had taken) but bad that we will most likely see the taliban fight back to show their power. This morning all the news networks were reporting this news non-stop. Crowds were gathered at ground zero, in DC and many other places celebrating the news and chanting "USA". It was a strange thing for me to watch because I don't think I would be cheering and chanting. This is not the end to terrorism. I know their man guy was taken out, but there are many more taliban leaders that will carry out their evil plans.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Countdown to Midterm Elections
Get out there and vote next Tuesday and encourage everyone you know to the vote, this midterm is very important. Your voice matters.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I Want Your Money
Take a look at this trailer for a new movie coming out. Why are they not showing it in my state? Here is the website for the movie, so you can check if it is coming to your area. I guess I will have to watch it in the big state of Texas when I visit Tonya.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Forgotten Man
Thank you Angie for sharing this video with me. I realized that Jon McNaughton was the artist that painted, "One Nation Under God". It seems like many people that normally are quiet and keep to themselves are realizing that it is time to make a stand. I realized that in the past two years, I have also become one of those people. I am finding my voice.
Here is an article that I found about this painting. Click here to be linked to the article that has a short video with the painter.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Endowed by Their Creator
Two days before the country was set to celebrate Constitution Day, President Obama decided to invoke the words of another founding document: the Declaration of Independence. Except he changed the words.
Towards the end of a speech on September 15 to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Obama began quoting the famous “rights” line from the founding document. But partway through, he omitted where those rights come from: a Creator.
The line is supposed to read: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
But Obama’s recitation left out an important part: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are crated equal. [Long Pause] Endowed with certain inalienable [sic] rights: life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
As the American Thinker points out, it could well be that Obama intentionally ignored his teleprompter:
After President Obama says “created equal..”, there is a long pause during which he scowls and blinks several times. For once, he may actually have opted to not read something that was on the teleprompter. It looks like he is disgusted and decided it would be better not to read what the [Declaration] actually says.
So, did he just forget the words, maybe couldn’t see the lines, or did he leave them out intentionally? You decide:
From Tiff: President Obama said "what makes us all Americans...was faith and fidelity to the shared values that we all hold so dear." Yes, and those values that we hold so dear are endowed by our Creator. Isn't is so easy to determine who a person is by their fruit, or their works?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Collective vs. Individual Salvation
I heard a couple statements from our current President, Barak Obama that jumped out to me. Here they are with references:
1st Statement:
EOB: All of that, thirty years after Dr. King and the civil rights movement. This seems almost
incredible to me, at times, to think that in thirty years, this is all the progress we’ve been able to make?
Obama: Well, you know, it is frustrating, I think. I talk a lot in the book about my attempts to renew the dream that both of my parents had. I worked as a community organizer in Chicago, [and] was very active in low-income neighborhoods working on issues of crime and education and employment, and seeing that in some ways certain portions of the African-American community are doing as bad, if not worse, and recognizing that my fate remained tied up with their fates. That my individual salvation is not going to come about without a collective salvation for the country. Unfortunately, I think that recognition requires that we make sacrifices, and this country has not always been willing to make the sacrifices necessary to bring about a new day and a new age. (source: Eye's on Books Interview with Barack Obama 8/9/95)
2nd Statement:
"Each of you will have the chance to make your own discovery in the years to come. And I say “chance” because you won’t have to take it. There’s no community service requirement in the real world; no one forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off this stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and all the other things that our money culture says you should by. You can choose to narrow your concerns and live your life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America’s.But I hope you don’t. Not because you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate, though you do have that obligation. Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get here, though you do have that debt.It’s because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation. Because thinking only about yourself, fulfilling your immediate wants and needs, betrays a poverty of ambition. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential and discover the role you’ll play in writing the next great chapter in America’s story." Candidate Obama said this in a 2008 commencement address to Wesleyan University.
Back to my thoughts:
It really bothered me to hear the concept taught that we are not saved individually but collectively. Oh, that is so untrue and wrong, it goes against all church doctrine. This all goes back to the war in heaven where we were presented with God's plan. Christ volunteered to carry out the plan and give the glory to God, which allowed for us individually to make our own choices - thus moral agency. However, Satan's plan was for us to all return to heaven and the Glory would be his not God's. How could we all return to heaven? There would obviously be no choice or accountability (I know this is a lot in a nutshell).
We have been taught the principal of individual salvation by many church leaders, although that terminology isn't usually how it is referenced. I hope you take the time to read the quotes below.
Quote 1:
"The development of faith in the Lord is an individual matter. Repentance is also an individual matter. Only as an individual can one be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. Each of us is born individually; likewise, each of us is “born again” individually. Salvation is an individual matter." (Russell M. Nelson, “Salvation and Exaltation,” Liahona, May 2008, 7–10)
Quote 2:
"Why cannot salvation be entirely an individual matter? It is individual, in one sense, but salvation in its fullest sense involves other people [as families we are here to help each other]. Families, for example, are the essential units of exaltation; and it is only through the covenants received in the temple that the family acquires an eternal nature. Moreover, we receive strength and support and are given opportunities to grow by associating with others who have made the same covenants we have. (Robert J. Matthews, “Our Covenants with the Lord,” Ensign, Dec 1980, 33–34)
Quote 3:
"We have been sent here to work out our individual salvation through the tests and challenges of daily life. We cannot do that by relying heavily upon the borrowed light of someone else’s testimony. As we receive inspiration when we hear prophets, leaders, and peers bear their testimonies, those spiritual feelings should further enhance our desire to strengthen our own convictions." (Donald L. Staheli, “Securing Our Testimonies,” Liahona, Nov 2004, 37–39)
Quote 4:
"While our individual salvation is based on our individual obedience, it is equally important that we understand that we are each an important and integral part of a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal family." (Robert D. Hales, “The Eternal Family,” Ensign, Nov 1996, 64)
This next excerpt comes from a great talk that explains what salvation and exaltation means - one is given to all men through Christ's sacrifice and the other is a gift available to us dependent on our obedience to His laws and the covenants we have made with Him.
Quote 5:
"What does it mean when people say, “I am saved”? Generally it means they are saved from death. This type of general salvation comes to all people by the grace of God alone. General salvation comes regardless of obedience to gospel principles or laws and results solely in resurrection from the dead. In this respect, salvation is synonymous with immortality, in that the resurrected person will live forever. Resurrection comes to every person born into this world through the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, whether one confesses Christ or not. Whether a person is wicked or righteous, each person will receive the gift of immortality through Jesus Christ....
All mankind will thus receive general salvation...The true value of the sacrifice of Christ means much more than this general salvation which comes to all mankind. There is an additional salvation that God has planned for his children. This additional salvation is an individual salvation and is conditioned not only upon grace, but also upon obedience to gospel law." (Theodore M. Burton, “Salvation and Exaltation,” Ensign, Jul 1972, 78)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Invictus
Fact tidbits:
- With the enactment of apartheid laws in 1948, racial discrimination was institutionalized, which lasted until 1990- 42 years.
- Strategists in the National Party invented apartheid as a means to cement their control over the economic and social system.
- Computer technology enabled the government to organize and enforce such an atrocious system of segregation and control. More than any other single technological advancement, the computer fostered the concentration of administrative power in the hands of Africa's white elite. (info taken from here).
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light , not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make and manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
----Nelson Mandela
Monday, June 14, 2010
Congressman Assaults College Kid
Congressman Bob Etheridge was coming from a fundraiser headlined by Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. When he was asked a simple question on the street by two college guys, that Etheridge didn't handle very well. I can't believe his behavior - talk about a bully. This guy should be charged with assault.
Here is the latest from Etheridge:
Washington, DC, Jun 14 - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) released the following statement about this video which appeared on the internet today:
“I have seen the video posted on several blogs. I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved. Throughout my many years of service to the people of North Carolina, I have always tried to treat people from all viewpoints with respect. No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response. I have and I will always work to promote a civil public discourse.”
Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC-02)
Friday, May 28, 2010
Special through Memorial Day: Washington Crossing the Delaware
Here is the information :"You’ve seen Steve Penley’s art in Glenn’s radio studio and heard Glenn talk about this master painter. Steve has graciously offered to send anyone who donates $100 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (between now and Memorial Day) an unmounted signed print of his “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” Check out the print HERE and donate HERE."
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sarah Palin Visits
Take a look at this photo and notice my friend, Suszette, in front of Sarah in the white t-shirt. Suszette and I are friends and were visiting teaching partners in one of my past wards. We both had an Alaskan connection and lived there during the same years. I believe Suszette lived their most if not all of her childhood, I'm not sure. Suszette was able to speak with Sarah, get an autograph and pictures with her. What a cool experience! I was wanting to attend this event, but I was at the doctor's office with Vivian. Way to go Suszette!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Extreme Insider a MUST!
I am totally in love with the new Extreme Insider for many reasons. It only costs a couple more dollars than the regular Insider subscription and it offers so much more. I love that it actually shoots the radio program with a 5-camera shoot - so I can watch the radio program live or come back to it later (or I can download it to my ipod). It also records specials including Glenn's two speeches from last weekend at Liberty University's Commencement and the NRA Convention. He has also offered his specials on Founding Father's Fridays program - which I am grateful because I don't have his cable program (no cable tv here).
In addition to all of that he offers new documentaries every couple weeks for his Extreme Insider subscribers, plus a fourth hour radio program each day of Pat and Stu. It can't get better than this. If you like his tv show or radio program, I highly recommend that you subscribe to this - I know you won't be sorry.
Go Behind the Microphone
Insider Extreme provides all the great benefits of the basic Insider subscription and so much more. Insider Extreme features a 6-camera broadcast quality stream of the radio show, an expanded 4th Hour program starring Stu and Pat and exclusive video you can't get anywhere else. Insider Extreme is the ultimate in Glenn Beck access.
Additional Subscription Information:You can subscribe to Glenn Beck's Insider Extreme for:
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
April's ffff - A Campaign Begins Today
"A Campaign Begins Today" by Mitt Romney
"America has just witnessed an unconscionable abuse of power. President Obama has betrayed his oath to the nation — rather than bringing us together, ushering in a new kind of politics, and rising above raw partisanship, he has succumbed to the lowest denominator of incumbent power: justifying the means by extolling the ends. He promised better; we deserved better.
He calls his accomplishment “historic” — in this he is correct, although not for the reason he intends. Rather, it is an historic usurpation of the legislative process — he unleashed the nuclear option, enlisted not a single Republican vote in either chamber, bribed reluctant members of his own party, paid-off his union backers, scapegoated insurers, and justified his act with patently fraudulent accounting. What Barack Obama has ushered into the American political landscape is not good for our country; in the words of an ancient maxim, “what starts twisted, ends twisted.”
His health-care bill is unhealthy for America. It raises taxes, slashes the more private side of Medicare, installs price controls, and puts a new federal bureaucracy in charge of health care. It will create a new entitlement even as the ones we already have are bankrupt. For these reasons and more, the act should be repealed. That campaign begins today."
— Mitt Romney is the former governor of Massachusetts and author of No Apology.
Click here to read the rest of April's ffff post.