I have to admit, I've been depressed since the election but that's not the reason I quit blogging.  When Google changed the way to do blogspots I just got frustrated.  I don't like it when they make things more complicated for some of us aging baby boomers. 

By way of news, Chris and his children got to come home but the great U.S. who lets scary guys in the country who hail from terrorist-training countries, won't let this property-owning wife and mother with not even so much as a traffic ticket come home to be with her family.  Even though her green card is supposed to be good until 2017, Immigration doesn't like green card holders to leave the country.  So, we're praying.  Better not get me started.

And then there's the lying, corrupt President O.  Shameful!

Sobering truth...Re-election of Obama = downer!!

In so many ways.  #1 Benghazi
How is it that he can decide definitively in just a day or two that it was caused by a stupid video - no investigation needed pre-election.  And now it's taking months to find the reason.  Hmmm.  Incompetence or impeachment material?  Lies, lies and more lies.

Buyer's remorse....

http://www.examiner.com/article/obama-voters-already-feeling-buyer-s-remorse

O Christmas Tree!

The boys went with me to pick out a tree and cut off extra branches.  Then they had fun decorating it.

Josh, Asher, Max

OK, time for a little advertising because I love this product.  Dial gave me a sample of two bottles and now I'm sold so my endorsement is all mine!  This is the cutest Christmas soap dispenser to make your house festive for the holidays.  It's Dial Complete, a foaming hand soap you'll want for all your sinks.  It smelled great, foamed up just right so the kids enjoyed it too.  I think I'll give this to neighbors and work friends this year.  I'll buy and give early so they can enjoy it the whole month.  Check it out at wwwDialSoap.com

I'll post a pic as soon as I clean the bathroom mirror!

Thanksgiving, 2012 Style

This is how some of the boys spent the time waiting for the feast.

Max, Alex, Josh

 Our Thanksgiving this year was hosted by Krista and Justin. They are wonderful to share food and home, along with so much work involved in doing it.

Sisters, Olivia and Ashlie

Mother/daughter - Natalie and Ashlie

The boys - Noah, Adam with Josh, Asher, Avery and Alex

Aubrey/Asher with Fred, Ashlie and Max in the background

Nat, Rob, Avery, Ale

Justin, Natalie, Avery

 Krista was so busy hosting, it looks like our pics of her are slim pickings.  

Krista, Olivia, Ashlie, Josh, Aubrey

Ashlie and I (though I hate this pic of myself)

 I contributed rolls which showed that my baking talent has been lacking in practice.  Aubrey said I can practice twice a week and that would be OK with her.  I also brought my great grandma's Candied Sweet Potatoes and they were yummy!  It was fun to share a recipe with Grandma Lawler's great, great, great grandchildren.

Jenn, Ashlie, Josh, Aubrey, Adam (in background), Noah

 This one is priceless.  Kenlee was ready to serenade us but her dad told her no, since it was time to eat.

Kenlee, Justin

Before the "unveiling"- my camera battery died right after this so we don't get a photo of the "real thing"- maybe Nat or Aubrey got one.  Jon and Heather came for dessert.

Below are the pics Jon shared

Kenlee, Aubrey, Olivia

Josh and Adam checking out the ads

Getting ready to make the Thanksgiving pies (Heather's creation)  turn into birthday pies. 

They love to  help with the lighting

Ashlie is 14; Max is 3

Cousins enjoying pie, movie and good company

After Rob spent the day laying carpet squares in my basement, the work and turkey tryptophan did the number on him.

Max, Rob, Alex, Adam 

9 of the grandchildren.

LDS (Mormon) volunteers in wake of Sandy

Hurricane Sandy Helping Hands from Joshua Brown on Vimeo.

Cover-up Continues - Benghazi & Election Fraud

A few links to make you think... O'Reilley The Blaze Wise Country Girl Blog Here's an excerpt but check out the whole article:

Gary Johnson, the candidate for disaffected Libertarians who received 43,479 votes here in Florida, was on the Ohio Ballot. And while Roseanne Barr was not, she did make it on the Florida ballot and the 7,971 misguided souls that voted for her shows that there are always going to be those who choose to follow their own path. Always. Except in Cleveland, Ohio. Is that not a stunning consideration? As of early September, voting registration lists totaled 900,135 in Cuyahoga County, which makes up much of the Cleveland metropolitan area, so exactly how many votes do 15 districts represent? Thousands… tens of thousands? Yet every last one, down to a man in these 21 precincts voted for Barack Obama – a statistical miracle!

Statistical miracle?

Hanging by a thread...

I think most of the religious-minded, Constitution-loving Americans hoped that this election would be the one where right would prevail and good would win over evil.   In my opinion, the policies and record of President Barak Obama have shown that he is on the side of what many of us consider basically wrong.  What the election results have shown to me is that the people of America like this path and want to continue.  They want government-paid abortion, other "free" programs provided by "the Government" (AKA our tax dollars), a welcoming voice to our enemies, hiding, lies (about Benghazi as one example), bigger federal government, complicated taxation and redistribution of wealth.  They want a popular rock-star as our president - reminiscent of our high school elections.   They want the support of Hollywood, rather than religion and in fact would prefer the state religion to be NO religion.  We're well on our way. 

There are prophecies, supposedly made by the prophet, Joseph Smith, which are nothing more than rumor.  There are some statements based on fact but perhaps misquoted.  One of the more fascinating is that of the Constitution hanging by a thread.  If you're LDS you've probably heard this one.  Read here for more background about this one.  It helps clarify which parts are accurate; which maybe hearsay.

Quoted from this article:

What Did Joseph Smith Really Say?

Because the White Horse Prophecy has been dismissed by some Church leaders, there has been confusion from members of the Church with regard to other similar statements about the nation crumbling, the Constitution being on the brink of ruin and the Elders of Israel stepping up to save it. While the white horse prophecy may not be legitimate, there are several separate similar statements attributed to Joseph Smith.
The following is accepted as the most accurate, and verified, statement, and has been quoted by several modern prophets:

 Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction.
(Source: Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Historical Department. Joseph Smith on July 19, 1840.)

There are many similar statements attributed to Joseph Smith by Brigham Young, Orson Hyde, Eliza Snow and modern prophets such as Harold B. Lee and Ezra Taft Benson (I have found at least 41 statements along these lines). I believe there is sufficient evidence to conclude that Joseph Smith truly said the nation and Constitution would be on the brink of ruin/destruction and that this people (LDS) will be involved in saving it. All we really have to do is look around us and see the fulfillment of many of those ‘prophecies’ even including some of the statements found in the alleged white horse prophecy. What we have yet to witness is the Elders of Israel stepping up to save the Constitution. Let’s hope that happens sooner rather than later, if at all. In the meantime those who are liberty-minded have a lot of educating to do as we assist the Elders of Israel in waking up to their awful situation (Ether 8) and from ignorance and complacency. 
Regardless of what the future holds, there are plenty of scriptures and teachings of modern prophets that tell us we do have a responsibility to stand up for Agency, Freedom, Liberty and the Constitution.

What The Prophets Have Said About The Constitution Hanging By A Thread

Ezra Taft Benson:

Will we be prepared? Will we be among those who will “bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction?” If we desire to be numbered among those who will, here are some things we must do:
1. We must be righteous and moral… 2. We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts… 3. We must become involved in civic affairs… 4. We must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, and our advice…
I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. But it will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church — men and women who will subscribe to and abide the principles of the Constitution. ( Source: CHB 28-31 )
For years we have heard of the role the elders could play in saving the Constitution from total destruction. But how can the elders be expected to save it if they have not studied it and are not sure if it is being destroyed or what is destroying it?…
There is no excuse that can compensate for the loss of liberty.
Satan is anxious to neutralize the inspired counsel of the Prophet and hence keep the priesthood off balance, ineffective and inert in the fight for freedom. He does this through diverse means, including the use of perverse reasoning. . . .
The cause of freedom is a most basic part of our religion. Our position on freedom helped get us to this earth and it can make the difference as to whether we get back home or not. . . .
Now part of the reason why we do not have sufficient Priesthood bearers to save the Constitution, let alone to shake the powers of hell, is, I fear, because unlike Moroni, our souls do not joy in keeping our country free and we are not firm in the faith of Christ, nor have we sworn with an oath to defend our rights.
( Source: “Our Immediate Responsibility” 10-11; also in An Enemy Hath Done This 313-15 )

May God Bless America - even if she doesn't deserve it.  We can only pray that if there are a few righteous still, we will be preserved. We also must remember in whom we trust and it is not the arm of flesh or Washington.

Time out

I've taken a break from blogging for the time being.  I don't like the "new" blogger here and I really don't have time to write.  There's so much going on now that is disturbing and controversial, it's hard to keep perspective.  Meanwhile, real life happens and I'm busy.  I'll try to get back at some point but not sure when that will be.  Pray for the USA!

Message to Black Christians

David McCullough on the Constitution

McCullough was the speaker at the inauguration of the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University on Constitution day. A brainchild of university president Matthew S. Holland and Rick Griffin, founding director, the center will promote the teaching, studying and research of the Constitution as well as public outreach endeavors across the region, nation and globe to promote its understanding.

Read about his speech here.

Butt of the Joke - no fun for anyone

I'm reprinting this excellent article by Davison Cheney

PLEASANT GROVE — Today on Facebook I ran into someone who apologized for her absence to the page and vowed to pick up with her viscous liberal comments just as soon as she got re-settled in.
She then threw in a Mitt Romney joke as a teaser, with a promise of more Romney-Ryan and Republican jokes to come.

'Tis the season.

This particular humorous posting was, as expected, funny as all get out — and I laughed out loud, like I do at most of her postings. In retrospect, examining her posting, it was not droll because it supported my particular political leaning — though there are plenty of those jokes around. Nor did I chortle because I related to the situation.

As I prepared to show my wife, or at least as I prepared to send it her way electronically, I took a second look. It was absurd, and I like absurd. And it wasn’t very nice.  That gave me pause.  I have always been a fan of my Facebook friends' wry comments and frothy postings. If I can’t lay claim to a high IQ like those of my friends, at least I can go on record rubbing proverbial shoulders with their pithy offerings.

I prepared to “share” it on my Facebook account and again had a queasy feeling. It was just too darn mean.

Now, I didn’t write the joke and I didn’t draw the funny cartoon it was attached to. All I did was laugh — laugh at someone being laughed at with a cartoon sword. The frightening part was that I may have laughed because someone was being laughed at.

That gave me pause from my pause. If someone says something biting or sorted and I laugh, does that make me mean-spirited as well? Have I morphed from a sweet, passive political cartoon reader into someone who doesn’t care if the humor I enjoy is at someone else’s expense?
With political conventions half over and election season in full deliberately offensive swing, now is the time for all good men to joke at the expense of another; to show their intelligence with a quick put down or a smarmy comment.

If I were at the microphone, would I take a prime-time jibe to demonstrate how clever I was if Romney himself was in the room or his mother sat in the front row?
What if President Barack Obama was shaking my hand? Would I repeat the latest Democratic joke and smirk, and invite him to be my Facebook friend?

“Sorry Mrs. Obama,“ my wife would say. “My poor husband feels wronged. He is just trying to get back at the world by spreading the pain.“

I went back and read all of my clever friend’s comments, or as many as I could in one sitting. By the end of my excursion I was tinkling the ice cubes in my glass and swaying like an unedited Dorothy Parker.
What I found was that, aside of a few pretty puppy photos, base, ignoble political commentary bleeds from my inbox. Rare is the post that invites me to action, but rather to have a seat, sit back and laugh at someone else.
Vicious biting remarks are the fashion equivalent of the little black dress

Both political conventions will be full of why “the other guy can't lead,” and “aren’t they stupid?” And while they are at the podiums, we will be busy at home posting our own reasons for thinking liberals are fools and conservatives are naive —or the other way ‘round.

The issue is not who we are putting down, but that we feel someone has to be in the one under position, and we are determined not to be the one on bottom.
This election season I vow to respond to human decency and kindness. I will not let negative sound bites dictate how I vote, think or act.

I will firmly promote civility to those with religious or political leanings different than my own.

I will look for consideration in an e-world full of funny, smart, angry people sending each other civilized, cantankerous blurbs that aren’t, in the long run, very funny at all.

Charlotte follows Tampa - finally!

Every once in a while reason prevails.

USA Today reports that the Atheists anti-Christian and specifically anti-Mormon billboards are coming down. 
One sign calls God "sadistic" and Jesus "useless" as a savior (his image is shown as toast, literally) and conclude that atheism, by contrast, is "simply reasonable."
The other derides the Mormon concept of God as a "space alien" and notes that Mormons offer a proxy baptism to dead relatives.
Vitriol, evidently, can be directed only against believers.

 I consistently find it ironic that we would never tolerate anti-Semitism, anti-gay or racial slurs but our society continues to tolerate anti-religion, anti-Christianity and anti-Mormonism.  Every once in a while it is seen for what it is and atheists should not be immune from the repercussions of their hate crimes in the name of free speech or free expression.  If they want to advertise their positive attributes, fine - but don't attack others in this kind of repulsive way.

I held greater respect for Tampa for recognizing early on that the placement of these hate bulletin boards was wrong and they disallowed them.  I was pleased to see Charlotte has finally realized it as well.

LDS men and women equal in religiosity

Apparently in most faiths, keeping the men coming is a challenge.  Not so with Mormons, study concludes.  Reported by Joseph Walker in the DesNews, LDS women, men are "very close" in religious observance.

"From a sociological perspective, the priesthood system works," said Dr. David C. Campbell, a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame. "It appears to motivate Mormon men to a level of religiosity that is equivalent to Mormon women."
And that, Campbell said, is news.
"Sociological research consistently shows that American women are more religious than American men by almost any standard that you can measure," Campbell told an audience of about 300 people — mostly women — attending a conference called "Women and the LDS Church: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives" in the Fort Douglas Officer's Club Theater Saturday afternoon. "But our research shows that LDS men and women are very close to each other in terms of religiosity."

A chaste life - Tim Tebow et al

Tim Tebow - quite a catch for some lucky chaste young woman

Article about Tim Tebow, Mormons who abstain from sex before marriage.  DesNews and, read the quoted article in the NYTimes.  Best to read it, but here's a tiny quote from the article:

“If you make it to New York and you’re a virgin, you’ve still got a high percentage chance of maintaining the V-card,” said Conor Dwyer, 29, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who married in June after meeting his future wife in Manhattan. “But if you’re on the fence, it’d be really hard.”

In true atheistic style - how low can you go?

Opposing Views

By Michael Allen, Wed, August 22, 2012

American Atheists Incorporated (AAI) has begun a billboard campaign in Charlotte, North Carolina, site of the Democratic National Convention, attacking the religious faiths of President Obama and Mitt Romney, reports Fox News (video below).

One billboard says: "Christianity: Sadistic God, Useless Savior," while the other states: "Mormonism: Magic Underwear, Baptizes Dead People, Big Money, Big Bigotry."

The anti-Mormon billboard was originally planned for Tampa, Florida, site of the Republican National Convention. However, billboard companies in Tampa, Florida won't put up the ad.

Amanda Knief, managing director for AAI, told Fox News: "We chose Christianity and Mormonism for these billboards because those are the religious faiths of the two presumed candidates for president."

"The president of the United States is in a position to make life-changing decisions for all Americans. We believe it is perfectly reasonable to ask whether each candidate will choose to follow his religious faith or the U.S. Constitution when making those decisions."

Kevin Madrzykowski, of Adams Outdoor Advertising which rented the billboard to AAI, said in a statement:  "The upcoming Democratic National Convention will bring to Charlotte people of varying viewpoints and a diversity of opinion. The ability to express one's opinion is a right and a privilege at the core of a democratic society."

Not just Utah

Orlando Sentinel reports on some local businesses who choose family, values and worship over profit. Floridians can't blame the Mormons here. Read the story here.

And, one from Utah here.

Media and Mormonism

Isn't it funny how the two big conversation no-nos - religion and politics - are the hot subject of this presidential race? It is refreshing to see some writers who try to do it objectively. Read Richard and Linda Eyre's comments about some media coverage here.

The New York Times has been one example of responsible reporting on the church. Political reporter Jim Rutenberg wrote a piece called “Mormon’s First Families Rally Around Romney” that generally got its facts right. Earlier, a feature writer named Jodi Kantor did an article called “Romney’s Faith, Silent but Deep” and continues to write accurately about the church. Later this summer, another reporter, Sheryl Stromberg, is writing a piece on Romney as a father...

Health Care Crisis

Read about one of the problems the expansion of Medicaid will cause in the NY Times here. This is not saying that the expansion creates the underlying problem; just that thinking Obamacare will solve the crisis in healthcare is ludicrous. You can't just say, "lets add all these people and make it fair" if you can't take care of those people anyway. Having insurance without doctors doesn't help. This points out only one of many problems with the reform plan. We need to look at all levels. Education, which at this point is mostly focused on getting as much money from the student as possible. This makes it difficult to get doctors and advanced practice RNs in the system. We need to reform the whole system that is broken.

If a person, say an RN has been out of school, and WORKING in healthcare with lots of experience, but she hasn't the credentials to get into an advanced RN program because the education system is set up to deny credits that are too old, or were numbered differently when she went to school, this is a missed opportunity for a health care provider who could enter the system but refuses to do so when it requires so much more education (much of it redundant) that it isn't worth it to her (or him).

We need to reform the education for health care providers - giving credit for on-the-job experience and actual knowledge (think outside the good ol' boys box), the tort/legal system (where the lawyers drive up costs in frivolous law suits), the way care is given (again, think outside the box), and get rid of the ridiculous waste that insurance causes. And, Medicaid is 10 times worse than any insurance you have encountered when it comes to waste and red-tape. So, adding more to those rolls is asking for trouble and adding to the problem, not helping it.

So, that's my two cents worth today.