My thoughts about DOMA being declared Unconstituional

I know if any of my liberal friends were to read this post I probably would be ripped to pieces with what I'm about to say.
And it is unfortunate that our society has become so radical and liberal that if we state opinions that are opposite of another party's opinions we're automatically labeled as bigots, racist, discriminatory, hateful people.
But if we're civil about our opinions, how is it hateful?

It's not, but society is trying to force us to believe that it is if we don't accept what a majority deem to be very, very wrong.

Yes, I am talking about the Supreme Court overturning DOMA and declaring it unconstitutional.
                 The saddest part about this case is that the Supreme Court wanted nothing to do with it initially, but the Obama Administration wouldn't let it die so, yeah, they were forced to make a ruling on the matter.

And in a vote of 5-4 it was declared unconstitutional. So barely, it won, which says to me there are still people in this country that have morals.  Or at least they know what the 10th amendment of the constitution says, which limits the powers of the three different branches of government.   Basically what it says is, everything outlined as their responsibilities thus far in this document CANNOT be changed.  It was written to limit their powers and not let any one branch of government gain more power than the other.  BUT the founding fathers knew that evil men would probably one day make it into government, or someone who wanted the glory of a king would make it into government.  So, that amendment was written in to make sure none of what is happening will happen.
   So basically, what the supreme court did today was illegal and unconstitutional in declaring DOMA unconstitutional.

Thats an oxymoron isn't it.

I think what made me laugh the most when I read articles about it, is that the court stated the law violated the gay's fifth amendment rights.   So, wanting to  refresh my memory of the fifth amendment, I grabbed a pocket copy of the constitution and read it.  Here's what it says:

    "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense  to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
                                                                       -Amendment 5 of the Constitution of the United States

So, the supreme courts standing comes from an amendment that refers to the due process and fairness of criminal proceedings.    Yes, I suppose you could argue that it talks about depriving people from "equality" "liberty" etc. etc. and so forth.   But that's just one piece of the puzzle.  And it was NOT meant to be used out of context.  It just wasn't, and we know that because it was written that way for a reason.  If we remember back to our American History classes we can remember that Britain had a very unfair way of dealing with those who were arrested and accused of treason and so on and so forth.  So, the fifth amendment was written to deal with that problem.  You'll notice the words "Due Process" in this.  That is the process someone is due when going to court for whatever judicial proceedings are necessary.  It was written to ensure that fair and just trials would take place.

So, then it has nothing to do with equality?
  Unfortunately, no.

Needless to say, after reading through and understanding everything that happened today I was disappointed in this country.   There was a time when I would label myself as proud to be American, and I would label myself a patriot.  Yet I am ashamed at how fast this country is headed in it's downward spiral.  The main ideals that were put in place by our founding fathers are being used against this country in order to implement Social ideals that are determined by the liberal radicals that are tearing this country apart.  It makes me sick to see how our society is heading downhill.  We cannot even voice our opinions if they don't match what the radical left deems as a good opinion.  Instead, of rationality and agreeing to disagree, there is name calling, bullying, and yes even oppression for those who don't agree with what we now deem is the "majority" view of the world.

Today I believe that being a patriot means standing up for the past ideals this country was based on.  As much as people want to deny it,  this country was based on Judeo-Christian values.  A value system that is still in place today and is most likely the majority of Americans believe.  But we are told that our beliefs and the "system" is oppressive and old fashioned and needs to go the way of the earth.
John Adams one of our founders was quoted to say:
    "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other"

Other founders were quoted to say:

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.  As nations  become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters."
                       Benjamin Franklin

"The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it.  While, on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves."
                        Samuel Adams

How can we doubt that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian Values?  Because it was!  And all of these men are right and God has blessed this country for our success and freedom from overbearing and oppressive rulers.  IF we follow Him and His commandments, this country and the people will be blessed.  And also, the more and more we strive for this nirvanah like equality, and the more radical we become and push God out of our society, it does indeed enslave and destroy us.

First Nephi 13 in the Book of Mormon tells us that this country is set apart and different from the other countries of the world.  And that God has consecrated it for our use as long as we obey Him, worship Him, and recognize the great things he as done for us.  But when the society becomes wicked and we throw God out does our demise become more and more prominent.  And we see that at the end of the Book of Mormon when the Nephites are all killed off while battling the Lamanites.  It wasn't that the Lamanites were better fighters, it was because both parties were relying on physical strength and not the strength that could come from trusting and believing in an all powerful Father in Heaven.  A godless society basically destroys itself from the inside out.  No outside forces will do it, but it will be us that do it to ourselves.

Throughout history if we seriously study it, we will see that some of the largest societies that had the greatest destruction or fall came about because of increased wickedness and evil that was in the land.  Ironically enough, it also had a considerable amount of practiced Homosexuality.  To name a few states or countries,

Rome
Greece
Pompeii
Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Assyria
Soddom and Gommorrah

Ironically enough, all of these societies listed were destroyed or dramatically collapsed.  Through modern revelation we know that Soddom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of the high saturation of homosexual relationships.

In closing, I want to say that I don't hate people who label themselves as gay or lesbian.    I frown upon the practice itself but not the person.  I know and believe that it goes against what the Judeo Christian God we worship has said that marriage is between a man and a woman.   Unfortunately, our society deems this as old fashioned and bigoted because we don't "accept" them for who they are.  Unfortunately, in a god fearing society, it should be right or wrong.  Not acceptance.
Denying people of what they deem to be their "rights" is not bigoted, discriminatory or oppressive.  I fundamentally believe that we as a society now shy away from those types of practices because they are wrong.  And we have every right as a society to shy away from and not want those practices implemented.  Everyone has a right to their opinion, that's a fact.  And I'm expressing mine, as calmly and collected as I possibly can. If anyone is to read this that disagree's with me, well then let's agree to disagree.  But I believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing, omniscient being  who is my Heavenly Father.  It's Him who I fear more than man.  With that being the case, I'm going to follow Him and trust in Him.  This world is going to get darker by the day, I realize that, but I'm not afraid, and I know in my heart that I will be protected and blessed by Him if I put my trust and faith in His eternal plan. 

Example from the ants

So, tonight I had the opportunity to witness an ant carrying something to it's nest.

There were holes in the grout in the flooring and that's where he was headed, I discovered them while sweeping the floor, but before grabbing my manager I noticed this tiny ant dragging with him a crumb that was twice his size.

Of course I've read and been taught about how ants can carry about 100 times their weight.  Which is a lot, and it's crazy that something so small can carry that much.  I struggle with a 50 lb. bag of something.  But this fact is something that you read and study about, but you never fully accept that as a truth until you see it in person. 

So, for about 45 seconds I watched in awe as this little ant dragged this crumb up to the small hole in the floor, then when he was a 1/4 of an inch away from the den several more came up to him and helped pick up the crumb, then they proceeded to take it into the hole.   And oddly enough, it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life.  It was one of those things that reminded me that there is a God in the Heavens, and that He orchestrated how everything worked. 

Naturally, something as small as an ant would need to have lots of food, just because of how many mouths that need to be fed.  On top of, who knows how much the queen ant eats.  So, God made it so they could work hard and reap large benefits from their pressing forward and doing their part to be successful.  Not just as a gatherer ant, but also doing it in a way that it benefits the others too.

So, being who I am I tried to find a way to relate this to life.  We all know life isn't easy, and it requires a lot of work.  Especially as we grow up, there are decisions to be made and we need to work hard to make sure that those decisions benefit us as best as they can.  There is a lot that we can and need to do in order to survive in this crazy world, and some days, it's easy to want to say "Forget this! I'm done!"  And just quit. I've done this a few times in my life, giving up is the easy part - but the regret that follows months or years down the road truly does suck.   Then tonight I see this ant, working his way to help the colony succeed, possibly to help himself succeed.  I try to imagine an ant deciding he's done and can't do anymore work, but that image doesn't work.  They truly are tireless creatures, but they are such a great example of taking on a lot more than one should be able to handle, yet handling it with ease.  And as soon as he reaches a certain point, others come and help him to finish the journey.

We were placed on this earth by a Loving Heavenly Father to work hard and develop ourselves to become better and reach the potential that we have inside of us.  Some days the path seems easy, and we feel like we can take on the world.  Yet at times, we have a trial, a stumbling block.  Something hard that makes us want to fall to our knees in anguish and cry: "I'm done! I can't do this anymore".   In times like that, it is easy to question things, and it is easy to quit progressing.  But it's those who stand back up and keep going that will find they are better off in the end.  Because they didn't quit, they plugged along. 

Yet, it's not something we were meant to do alone.  Just like the ants who hurried out to help in the last stretch of the journey  we too can have help.  The Atonement of Jesus Christ is there to help us through those hard times.  He get's it, because he felt that pain too.  And relying on Him, during all times of life, will make even the hardest of times, a little bit easier to bare. 

Matthew 11:28-30: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Just like the ant, we can make it through a long haul in life.  And we can come out successful in the end of the journey.  If we remember to trust in Heavenly Father and Christ, and let Him relieve us of our pains and sorrows we can make it back home to them one day.   It's remembering to not give up, and to "endure to the end" that will get us there. 
 

Eight and half months - and a whole new understanding to "waiting"

Yes, it is true, I am almost 9 months done with the wait. 

(Small mini celebration dance)

Ok, I'm done now.  haha

Anyway the past 8 months have flown by, for which I'm really grateful because I honestly don't know how I would survive this wait  if it was dragging by.  One of the reasons I know is because I have been busy between school and work.

Nearly a year ago I saw a huge obstacle in front of me. 24 months is a long time for us humans.  And 24 months waiting for the man you care for and want to marry can seem like an eternity.  There have been many nights of tears and wondering why I've even decided to do this.  But when something inside of you lets you know that this is right I couldn't go against that feeling.  Especially since Trent is someone you don't let out of your grasp easily. 
No, when I started my wait, I saw it as a long 24 months where I was going to be missing him terribly the whole time.  It would take forever, sure I'd be done with school but was that worth going two years
8 1/2 months later I still view 24 months as a long time.  I occasionally have my days where I want to cry most of the day because I miss him so much.   The one thing that has changed though is my attitude.  I"m grateful for the fact I have the opportunity to wait for him.  Yes gratitude! Not a feeling I was expecting to feel in the least, but it's here and I am grateful for the mission.  For one thing, he's growing and becoming the man that I truly want as my husband.  And as great as he was before the mission he's going to be AWESOME after his mission.  I mean, he's making me WANT to be better.  And he pushes me to be better as well.
        But the real reason I would have to say I'm the most grateful for the fact that I have the time to prepare and become better myself.  It's like preparing for marriage, but on a strict timetable.  Two years may seem long, but it goes pretty fast.  Which means I don't have the time to dawdle around and think "I'll get to it later" because later could be 6 months before he's home and honestly, scrambling at the last minute never brings the best results.  Because if things work out between the girl and the missionary, is SHE ready to make the covenants and commitments that come with an eternal marriage?  I know I couldn't,  that's a lot of commitment to make to the Lord and if I wasn't prepared, I wouldn't want to make that commitment immaturely.  So, yes I need to prepare, I need to develop a relationship with Heavenly Father and strive to be closer to Him at all times. That's what Trent is doing, so why shouldn't I be doing it as well?

I've definitely also realized that waiting for a missionary isn't for everyone, and it's a serious decision when a girl or guy decide to wait for the person they care about.  But like everyone says waiting IS NOT putting yourself in storage for two years.  Sure, I may never get asked on a date because I have a missionary.  And I may never travel abroad, or do something SUPER exciting with my life.  What I can do is try to develop myself, create a stronger relationship with my boy and my Heavenly Father, study the scriptures and learn to love them,  and prepare the best I can to make temple covenants then eventually be a wife and mother. 

I didn't think this was what the wait was for nearly a year ago, but now I know this is one of the key reasons why I'm waiting.  I'm waiting and learning about myself.  Sure, Trent is great, but if we don't work out in 16 months what I have learned about myself is not something I could regret.   Waiting is a journey, an experience, and unfortunately (I'm sorry to say this) it is not for everyone.  It is not something you do because well you want to or you can.  It's something you do because you know you need to do it, you do it  because you know it's the next thing you need to do in your life. 
The only reason I'm waiting for Trent is because I knew I needed too.  At the time, I thought it was purely because i liked him.  And while that is true, and while I am waiting because of how I love him I am also waiting because it gives me time to become better.  And it's a time for me to prepare to become his wife, and I look forward to the next 16 months of his mission because of all the things we're both going to do while learning and growing.