No apologies for morality & virtue

"In this day of gathering storm, as the moral deterioration of political power spreads it's growing infection, it is essential that every spiritual force be mobilized to defend and preserve the religious base upon which this nation was founded. For it is that base which has been the motivating impulse to our moral and national growth.
"History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline.  There has been either a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral lapse, or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster." - General Douglas MacArthur

Listen to his voice here.   In light of accusations that he was a warmonger he firmly stated, "NOTHING could be further from the truth... but once war is forced upon us there is no other alternative but to employ every available means to bring it to a swift end.  War's very objective is victory; not prolonged indecision."

"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." - Abraham Lincoln

The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but the God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people.  Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before him; God is a refuge for us." - Abigail Adams

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." -  Ben Franklin - April 17, 1787

Wise words

"It takes courage … and humility to put away old hatred, divisions and traditions that constrict and confine people into a blind succession of destructive behavior toward others," said President Uchtdorf, second counselor in the church's First Presidency [in his speech to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council]. "It is within our reach to breach barriers of hate and build bridges of brotherhood and understanding between opposing cultures, beliefs, religion and world views."

Good suggestions for all of us.  Read the article here.

I have witnessed miracles which have solidified my beliefs.  Faith precedes the miracle and I know this is true, but after our faith and with our obedience and trust, we are able to witness miracles like Jesus performed on the earth.

We could learn something...

...even when we are different.

Peace

I agree with Becky Thomas (a columnist at MormonTimes)about what is most desired.  It's not all about fun and material comforts don't bring peace.  Here are her desires in this realm:

The peace of a clear conscience, the peace of no contention, the peace of not offending others, the peace that what I am doing is in sync with my Heavenly Father's will, the peace of knowing that he has not forgotten me, the peace that fills the unrest, sadness and questions of a broken heart.

Dr. Elia says of stress: 

Long-term exposure to stress can make us physically sick or lead to emotional and mental breakdowns. Basically, mismanagement of stress is a long-term neglect of our needs. When I suggest to my clients they need to take a day or two off to reassess their direction in their life, or company, or family I get the typical push-back response: "I can't afford to do it," to which I reply, "You can't afford NOT to do it!"

After another bout with illness - keeping me in bed for five days (and so out of character for me) - I realize I need to deal with this one myself.  I am letting go of toxic relationships and ignoring people who are ridiculous, selfish and needy, including some immature adults and those with personality disorders that border on those of BDM - so recently in the news.  It's not even worth saying his name or feeding into his self-importance.  I would much rather speak the name of Elizabeth Smart who will live in history and who is such a wonderful example for young women everywhere.  I plan to focus my time and energy on these people and not waste my time on those who are so out of touch with reality there is no reason, logic or common sense.  Dealing with such people is harmful to my health.

In other news,  "Christine O'Donnell's TV ad declaration, "I'm not a witch" during her U.S. Senate campaign topped this year's best quotes, according to a Yale University librarian.  Read here.  And a friend of mine, Harold Nolte made number two on the New Yorker's Top Ten Would Be Words list.  Read here.  Anyway, there are plenty of good things going on out there.  I have the best kids and grandkids, the greatest ward family, friends and neighbors.  I am grateful for this.

And, in case you were wondering or perhaps questioned how they could possibly enforce this - "U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson found that Congress could not order individuals to buy health insurance"Read here. 

"Neither the Supreme Court nor any federal circuit court of appeals has extended Commerce Clause powers to compel an individual to involuntarily enter the stream of commerce by purchasing a commodity in the private market," he wrote. "In doing so, enactment of the [individual mandate] exceeds the Commerce Clause powers vested in Congress under Article I [of the Constitution.]

My opinion - either do universal health care as it is done in Japan or other countries where it works or don't; but you don't do it half-way and pass laws requiring the impossible.  As an example of how messed up this country is - they are starting to charge for basic services such as police and fire (if used) - basically removing it from the public domain where everyone gets the benefit and adding others, because of course "the Government" can't take care of everything.

Hope and Peace in Troubled Times

I have to agree with Dr. Elia of Mormon Times:

"I don't know if these are the "last days," but I do know these are troubled times.

Everywhere I look, I see pain, suffering, anger, betrayal, and most of all fear! Lots and lots of fear."

I think the betrayal has been the hardest for me to handle, especially from people you thought you could trust - those I have loved and served to the best of my ability.  Was I perfect?  Absolutely not.  But did I deserve the betrayal?  Of course not.  But, neither has anyone in that situation.  What I hate is becoming somewhat cynical about people as a result.  I so prefer to trust my fellow man (and woman).  What hurts even more is for those I love to believe I betrayed them by being me.  I guess this makes me realize that at least sometimes the betrayal is innocent at least.  I'll try to remember that and stay a little more positive.

I liked this statement too: 
"Remember that listening respectfully does not mean that we necessarily agree with others' beliefs or political systems, it just helps us to builds bridges to understanding instead of brick walls to shut others out."

I found a book to add to my "to-read" list.  The Last Days is one of them.

Right now I need to focus on Conference thoughts.  It's the time of year for me to clean out, dejunk, check the smoke detector batteries, finally make up the 72 hour kits, take inventory of food storage, recharge my spiritual self, relax and recommit.  I'm going to try.  I even hope to finally assemble that 72 hour kit that's scattered all over the house and garage.


Amen to Dr. Elia's words, "May God bless us all with patience, forgiveness and love."