Post Election!

Although this election was absolutely heated and close at so many levels. I found myself feeling peaceful knowing that I could do my part by voting and expressing my views, but I could not take away the agency of others-the rest was 'out of my hands'. I also realized that my prayers were not necessarily that one candidate would win over another-- BUT that the people who were voting would make un-biased, educated and humbling decisions. I prayed that we would be able to look beyond ourselves and for the better good. I also prayed that the prayers of the righteous would be heard. Lastly, that whoever was elected in office would be able to have influence of the spirit in some way, so that our country would continue to be led by the same God it was established under.

Even though the presidential election was disappointing for me. I can take what Elder Packer told us in Stake conference this past week and realize that Faith and Fear cannot dwell in the same place. That I can make my home a place of refuge and peace amidst big changes that are to come. Then, last night, these words in President Uchtdorf's talk came very profoundly as well-in regards to hope--it stated, "in the depth of winter, we find, within us an invincible summer."

SO here is to hope...

Speaking of HOPE I cannot tell you how much hope I DID have in the country when I DID realize that all the marriage propositions had passed. I felt stronger about this issue than I did about the presidential candidates. After standing on the street corner w/ my little family for an hour, and then staying for another hour and a half with the Young Women--I heard many differing views. All I can say is that I DO LOVE those who have made other lifestyle choices than I have-- BUT I cannot allow the destruction of the sacredness of marriage to happen. In fact I was tempted to call one of my FAVORITE softball team members to let her know that she was one of my favorite people on the team, and that if she saw me on the corner holding the YES prop 102 sign that I was not betraying that friendship. Later that day, I came upon this article and felt it portrayed how I felt much more eliquently than I could ever speak it, so for what it is worth...here is my stand! YEAH for PROP 102!!!!!!

It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.
Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.
Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.
Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.
Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.
The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.
--- -->LDS.org