Tolerance

I don't usually like to get into social issues too much on this blog, but I was so proud of Miss California in the recent Miss USA pageant. I didn't watch the pageant, but I read about it in the newspaper.

What a courageous answer she gave the judge, especially when she knew what the consequences might be! I don't think she was expecting to be attacked the way she was, though. It really got me wondering--why is it that people with certain views say that we should be "tolerant" of their views, and that we should allow them to say what they think, and do what they want, but when individuals with opposing views try to do the same, they are attacked and are told that they cannot speak that way, act that way, or express their beliefs? The judge who asked Miss California the question was basically baiting whomever drew the question, and had no reason to ask it other than to gain support for his views. And he later went on the internet calling her horrible names and saying mean things about her. What does tolerance really mean? Is it today's definition of "a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own?" Is it merely "putting up with" others who are different and believe differently? And does it go both ways?

I believe that everyone has the right to believe what they feel is right, and that they have the right to express how they feel or believe in a respectful manner. And, as such, everyone has the obligation to agree or disagree in a respectful manner. I try so hard to listen carefully to the diverse viewpoints of others, knowing that I will gain perspective and understanding as I do so. I may not change my mind about my beliefs and feelings (I will not when it is a moral issue), but I will understand others better and will be able to show greater respect to others who live differently. I would hope that others would show me the same courtesy. Unfortunately, the trends today are not towards "courtesy." Sadly, "political correctness" dictates that the "cause du jour" must be "tolerated," even embraced, or anyone who opposes that cause is "wrong," "hateful," and even a bad person. Just look at the recent Proposition 8 decision. People supposedly against "hate" suddenly turned their preaching of tolerance, acceptance, and love into hateful, vindictive actions and words when things didn't go their way. The same thing keeps happening for those who believe in God and want to worship him when and where they choose, and especially for those who believe in Jesus Christ. People who do not believe in God feel that everyone must cater to their beliefs (prayer in schools, the Pledge of Allegiance, elimination of Christmas programs, etc.) or others are "forcing religion" on them. What they fail to realize (or maybe they don't fail to realize it. . .) is that they are forcing their beliefs on others in the name of "tolerance." We must have "moments of silence" or "inspiring thoughts" instead of prayers, lest we offend someone who does not pray. We must have "Winter Celebrations" instead of "Christmas Programs" or parties lest we seem intolerant of those who do not believe in Christmas or Christ. Yet every other religious holiday and set of beliefs is trumpeted, celebrated, and encouraged. It is so discouraging. "Tolerance," or the greater term "respect," should go both ways, not just the socially popular way.

We have been very blessed, so far, not to have this trend infect our local elementary school and city council, but it's happening close by. I talked to a father who lives in our school district a couple of years ago while we waited for our daughters to finish ballet class, and he said the above situations are alive and well at their schools.

As I wonder in amazement at the ways Satan finds to deceive people, I am really not surprised. The scriptures are full of warnings about these very things. It is no wonder the prophets have worked so hard to teach us about how important it is to read the scriptures every day, to pray always, to listen to and follow the prophets, to be faithful, to follow Christ. If we do not, especially in these perilous times, we will be in serious danger of believing half-truths and full-out lies. We will start making excuses for our beliefs, become ashamed, and get lost in the darkness that surrounds us. I am so very grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I desperately hope that Justin and I are teaching our children what they need to know to get through these confusing times.

My sweet elderly neighbor, Dorothy Call, stopped me at church the other day and told me how much she fears for the children growing up today. She grew up in such a relatively safe time, and she sees the things that surround the children of today, and just weeps. She told me that she prays so hard all the time for the little ones and those who are raising them and having any contact with them. I was so touched by her faith and her desire to give us young moms her faith and strength. I felt like I was being endowed with extra power and "armor" in this battle for souls. I love my children, and I want them to be safe. I appreciate all the extra help I can get! All of you who have children or grandchildren growing up today--know that you are important enough to our Father in Heaven that prophets and faithful Saints alike are praying daily for you and your little ones!! We will win this battle, with God as our protector and help.

Definitions

Oviparous: "it means baby animals that are born from eggs!" --Christopher, via kindergarten
Flabbergasted: "it means that you're really surprised!"--Christopher, courtesy Oscar the Grouch's ABC's
Onspensiverous: "it means you grow up, put on panties, and go to ballet."--Emily, invented after hearing Christopher define big words

Becoming As A Little Child: Grateful For Snow

I know I should be grateful it's been so rainy and now is snowing--in April. The snow in the mountains is our water supply, and we really need all we can get. Plus, the more it rains, the less I have to water the lawn, which saves water, too. But spring is such a tease. We get gorgeous, sunny, perfectly warm days, and we drag out our capris and tees and sandals. Then the temps drop and it rains and even snows (love spring in Utah. . .), and we have to drag the cold weather stuff out again (this is not good for the space-challenged, like us).

Yesterday I was in a rebellious mood and wore my favorite black maternity tee and my black flip flops. It wasn't too bad when I went to the doctor, but by the time I took Ashley to ballet and headed to Albertson's, I was regretting my decision. The clouds were thick and plunking lots of thick raindrops down on us, and my kids were SO slow in getting out of the van. I was soaked and freezing going into the store--which wasn't heated at all, it seemed--and totally soaked and freezing trying to load all the groceries into the car (they had some really good sales this past week--got my free milk and $10 off my total order!). "I am such a dork." I proclaimed to nobody but myself. Apparently my built-in pregnancy heater has its limits. I will not make the same mistake today.

So I am trying not to grumble at the snow, and I am smiling at the example of my 18-month-old, Jeremy. Jeremy loves to go "bye-bye" and loves to go outside, and he absolutely LOVES the snow! He finally learned to walk 3 months ago, and when he discovered he could look out the front window, he loved to look outside as much as he could to see what was going on. He liked it even better when I'd open the front door and let him look through the screen door--the window is lower and looks out over the steps, not through a vinyl railing like the other window. When he'd look out on snowy days, or we'd go outside, I'd point to the snow and tell him what it was. About a month ago, we were leaving to take one of the girls somewhere, and he kept saying, "No! No!" In a family our size, it isn't unusual for our little ones to learn that word early, so I thought he was just being contrary. But I soon realized that he was saying it in an excited manner and pointing at something. Slow mommy that I am, I finally realized that since the sky was dropping big, fat snowflakes Jeremy was saying the word "snow!" It was exciting!

Ever since then, Jeremy has pointed at the window and said, "Uhts zat?!" And then he'll wait for me to answer, or just answer himself, "Snow!" (Or "No!" in Jeremy-language). Then he'll repeat it over and over with a tone of adoration in his voice, and usually will accompany his exclamations with giggles and happy sounds. Or he'll run to the window and point outside, standing on his toes, and squealing, "No! No!!" Today, as I took him to his crib for his nap, the sky was dumping big, fat flakes again, and the snow was sticking to some degree. I pointed out the snow, and his face lit up with pleasure. I love seeing the light in his eyes, and the pure love and gratitude he has for Heavenly Father's creations and blessings. It's at times like these that I can see why Jesus asked us to "become as a little child."

An Easter Message

Please enjoy this beautiful Easter message from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. We wish you the most wonderful Easter, and express our tremendous gratitude for the incomprehensible sacrifice of our Savior. His incomparable gift gives all mankind deliverance from death and also the possibility of deliverance from sin. It is so amazing that we will all live again after we die, and so wonderful that we will have the opportunity to be with those we love again someday. And in this life, we can have the help and comfort we need because of what our Savior went through. He knows our pain, sorrow, and loneliness perfectly, and He is just waiting for us to reach out to Him with open arms. We know that He lives and loves us more than we can understand. We love each and every one of you!

Everyday Food Storage

I am a big fan of having things in storage that my family will actually eat, and making it part of our daily lives, as I'm sure all of you are, too! If there were a financial emergency, a several-day power outage, or a natural disaster, I hope that I could still feed my family things they are familiar with, and do it well. Thinking about the different situations we could find ourselves in cause me to re-evaluate what we have in our storage and think about what we should be storing. We're doing pretty well in some areas, but not so great in others.

I was Googling for Texas Tumblers--you know, those indestructible plastic glasses that came in all kinds of funky colors, and that you always see at the old diners or Mexican restaurants--and realized that they are pretty hard to find. I happened to find a blog that mentioned them (they went to Smith and Edwards and couldn't find them). But the blog also talked about a website they had found that helped you learn how to use your food storage more effectively and use it everyday! I really would like to learn more--I always like to hear new ideas or new applications of principles. I also found some ideas for kids and General Conference (always looking for those, too) and some cool recipes (with videos). I didn't spend a ton of time at the site, but I'm planning on going back to see what I can learn. Here's the link if you're interested:

I also have a cool book that a lady named Karen Gilmore ("The Wheat Lady") has put together to sell after she does Enrichment presentations on using food storage. She has recipes that use more of your long-term items like wheat, honey, beans, dry milk, and things like that. (Justin is really wary of the "bean fudge!") I think it's going to take me awhile to get to the point she's at, though--she sprouts her wheat to use in snack mixes, makes her own hot cereal, and uses her hard beans in all kinds of things (like the above-mentioned fudge). I'm still stuck on using canned beans. I guess I need a little more motivation and time! Anyway, if you have any food storage ideas you love, books you like, or websites you enjoy, post it in the comments--I would love to hear about it, and we could all use some more ideas in that area!