The Sublime Roundabout

I usually save my political rantings for my other blog. But this one has got me irked, and since it is more partisan in nature, I will leave my thoughts here rather than vent them in the more public forum that is my City Planner's Blog. According to the official LDS website: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. The Church does not: Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms. Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes. Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader. The Church does: Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elect...

Because of continuing power shortages, our church building is still in the dark. We haven't had a chance to meet as a ward for sacrament meeting. Our stake presidency has allowed us to have a sacrament meeting at our homes. This is something I have only experienced once before - in a Michigan snowstorm that prevented us from attending regular Sunday services. We have Brett and Marnie Talbot staying with us for a while, so Brett was able to help me with the blessing of the sacrament - I did the bread and he did the water. It was so sweet to have my little family gathered together around our table to celebrate the sacrament of the Lord's supper. After the sacrament, we all took an opportunity to share our testimonies. My family makes me so happy and proud. I love them so much and I look forward to spending eternity with them. I just hope I am worthy.

So. Here it is, just a few days after my brush with hurricanes, and I am still alive. In fact, alive enough to be writing a blog that few (if any) will ever read... Ah, well. It's cathartic, right? So here's a rough synopsis of what went down: Thursday was a beautiful day: clear blue sky just a little warmer than usual. School was cancelled and is still on hold indefinitely At around noon my family left for the Woodlands to stay with our good friend Rachel Sorber and Natalie. The Woodlands is further inland, and the storm was supposed to have calmed down by that point. More on that later. I spent all evening boarding up windows. Neighbors came and helped. What a great blessing it is to have concerned and helpful neighbors. Friday was no work, but I came in anyway. There was nothing else to do. I hung around until about three and then went to Ammaron Stone's place to help him finish boarding up. We watched the news as the hurricane approached (th...

In his epistle to the Galatians, Paul talks about the fruits of the Spirit. These are love, joy, peace, long suffering , gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. So when we are under the influence of the Spirit, these attributed are more easily fostered and recognized. In my home, this kind of Spirit prevails almost without exception. It makes my home really feel like a place that I want to be, where children and parents love and respect each other, and where learning and growth can take place. It is sublime. I love to be there. Jeremiah also talks about the fire in his bones that was the word of God. This is more of how the Spirit works in my personal life. It is hard to describe, like the taste of salt. Salt is, well, salty. But there is no mistaking it when you taste it. One would never mistake salty sea water for honey, for example. But what's the point? Other than feeling good or agitated or whatever, what's the point of feeling the Spirit? For me, the real point...

Contemplating my life, it seems to be a pattern of divine intervention in my behalf. From the moment I was born I have been watched over and guided in ever so slight ways to become what I am now. I know that I am not what I should be, but actually this encourages me. The anticipation of further growth is infinitely appealing. I have never felt more close to God than when I am struggling and learning. I went to boot camp. Weird, huh? I know that surprises many of you who know me. It was an interesting time in my life. I was seventeen years old, looking forward to graduation from high school. I had led an exceedingly sheltered life, and was blessed in many ways but also very ignorant in more ways. I had a lot to learn, but didn't know it. The recruiter called me up and asked what my plans were for after high school. Probably college, I said. How are you going to pay for that? he asks. I don't know. Grants, scholarships, whatever, I said. What about a mission. Are you planning to ...

There is much that is dark and scary and outright evil in this world. I know that. I know that constant vigilance is required to combat the overwhelming tide that threatens our families. But in the midst of all of this, there is also much that is very, very good about this world. In my life, one of these things is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is an honor to be a member of such a wonderful organization. Last weekend, we were threatened with a large tropical storm. It turns out that it missed us almost completely, but it was nervous for a couple of days. On Sunday, I attended bishopric meeting where preparations were discussed should the worst happen and evacuation become required. Specific families were discussed and people's needs were assessed. Everyone who could possibly need attention was reviewed. Plans were made for the care of these individuals and families, involving home teachers, quorum leaders, and Relief Society sisters, all of whom would rally to ...